Traveling can be exciting. Even being in airports, among the hustle and bustle of everyone getting to their various destinations, can be an exhilarating break from the mundane day-to-day. However, traveling can also interrupt our wellness routines. Whether we are traveling for business or pleasure, it can be challenging to maintain wellness when on the road.
A bit of intentional planning can help travelers keep their wellness as a priority while they enjoy traveling, though. By weaving some simple strategies into your routine, you can enjoy seeing new sights, meeting new people, and experiencing new things while remaining your healthiest self.
“You can absolutely keep your wellness goals while traveling,” says Erin Moran, MS, LMHC, VP of Clinical Operations at Sophros Recovery. “Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or this is your first time hitting the road, you can navigate the challenges of maintaining your healthy lifestyle if you approach it mindfully.”
Nutrition needs
Everyone has to eat, and the different foods you can run across while traveling are among the best parts of heading out to other parts of the world. When planning to travel, you will want to consider your current diet and eating lifestyle. For example, if you are maintaining a vegetarian or high-protein diet, you will want to carry that through to your traveling diet — while leaving some room for some treats.
Pack snacks and nutritious things to eat on the go so it will be easier to stay in line with your typical diet. You will also want to do your research. “Often, an exciting part of traveling is trying new foods,” says Moran. “In order to remain aligned with your usual dietary habits, I suggest researching some local restaurants and food options before you travel. Knowing at least a few places to eat will help decrease stress and ensure your nutrition stays balanced.”
You can also consider hitting the grocery store in your destination location. Cooking for yourself can give you better control over your food choices.
It’s also important to drink enough water and remain hydrated while you travel, especially if you are on long flights or doing high-activity events.
Get physical
If you’re traveling for vacation, it can be tempting to laze about by the pool or on the beach. However, it’s important to stay active, even when you’re traveling, to maintain wellness. “You can incorporate walking, yoga, or other low-impact activities into your travel plans,” says Moran. Many hotels offer gyms or pools for fun physical activities.
You can also explore traveling that is specifically designed to get you active, such as hiking trips or biking excursions. Whatever you decide to do to entertain yourself, if you incorporate some physical activity, you will feel better even while on the road.
Remember to rest
As much as physical activity is an important part of maintaining wellness during traveling, rest is a significant part of maintaining wellness, too. “Try to maintain your regular sleep schedule on the road,” says Moran. This can be hard, especially if you are flying to another country and experiencing jet lag, but getting as much rest as possible will benefit you. “Ensuring you get enough rest during high-activity travel can help you maintain your energy level and immunity,” explains Moran.
