Travel is a great part of life. To be able to experience new cultures, visiting new sites, meeting new people, and seeing how people in other cultures live is one of the greatest adventures you will have in life. Traveling is enjoyed by many people as you are able to break free from your routine. But breaking your daily routine can also include indulging in unhealthy habits.
Maintaining healthy habits can be challenging for everyone even when they are staying at home, but if you are always traveling for business, maintaining a healthy diet and routine can be even more difficult. Traveling constantly can be detrimental to our health if we do not make it disciplined. New Year is approaching and many people might be busy in setting resolutions for the next year. If you are a travel junkie, then traveling healthy should be one of your new year’s resolutions.
Here are some of the points you can keep in mind to travel healthy:
1. Get enough sleep
To be able to make the most of your traveling, you should get enough sleep. Many people tend to ignore sleep while traveling but remember that your body needs rest when you are physically traveling, entering different time zones, carrying luggage to and from destinations and walking all day. Traveling is harsh on your body so make sure to get enough sleep which will vary from body to body. By sleeping enough you will be able to enjoy your vacation to the most or you will be able to make good decisions if you are traveling for business. A good sleep will prepare you physically and mentally for the next day.
2. Workout
Workout for at least 15-20 minutes every morning to stretch before you start your adventurous day as it will give you energy for the rest of the day. Stretch your arms, legs, neck, shoulders, and back so that you do not get tired easily. You can do simple stretches or some yoga asanas in your hotel room in order to stay healthy while traveling. It is easy to do some simple neck and shoulder stretches throughout the day while you are stopping to take a rest. If your hotel has a gym, you should take advantage of it and exercise there.
3. Yoga and Ayurveda retreats
If you are a travel junkie, then you should definitely book retreats which will change your perspective towards life. If you have a love for traveling and yoga, then you should go on yoga holidays where you will get the best of both the worlds of traveling and yoga. You will find the best yoga retreats in various parts of India as it is the birthplace of yoga. Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga and it is always good to learn both of these. We have so many illnesses in today’s world full of stress. In order to adapt a healthy lifestyle, you can also opt for Ayurveda retreats to learn in depth about the ancient science.
The yoga retreat will not only give you a long due vacation but will also help you in finding a direction and clarity in life. A retreat is a whole universe in itself where you get opportunities to expand your horizons. Even if you do not have time to go for two weeks of retreat, try going for a weekend and you will feel the change.
4. Eat healthy
Small trips can feel like a good getaway from day-to-day busy life, people should be mindful not to overindulge during these trips. Carry a few healthy snacks which can give you a quick energy when you feel drained. These snacks can be your favorite fruits, a mix of chia, pumpkin and melon seeds with dry fruits, low sugar bar and others according to their health benefits.
These healthy snacks will prevent you from urge of eating a pastry or chips when hungry. Eat a good, healthy, protein-rich meal before you step your foot out to start your day of adventure. Also, everyone feels attracted towards the new fancy foods while traveling and tend to overeat. Try everything but in small portions and avoid overeating while traveling.
5. Hydrate
This cannot be stressed enough that staying hydrated is important all the time, traveling or not. Make it the first thing on your mind when you travel, especially when you are on an airplane because the humidity inside the cabin is lower than normal. Your body will be acclimatizing to a new climate, so drinking water regularly is of utmost importance.
Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and other issues. Carry a water bottle all the time. Drink enough water even though it is not always convenient to find public restrooms on the road.
Carry wet wipes or hand sanitizer
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer come in handy when water and soap are not easily available, which can happen frequently when travelling. You might be walking all day and coming into contact with people, things, doors, etc. and you would not want to eat with dirty hands. Make sure to clean your hands before and/or after a meal to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
6. Protect your skin
Do not forget to pack sunscreen. Protect your skin when being outdoors by wearing sunscreen and reapply every two hours if you can. Research about the area you are visiting beforehand for mosquito and insects populations. If the area has a large mosquito and insect population, wear a repellent to prevent bites.
7. Cut down on alcohol and aerated drinks
Alcoholic and aerated drinks are full of calories. Maintain your calorie count and sugar intake low by drinking water and fresh juices instead. Also, alcohol causes disruption in your sleep. As you are away from work and home, enjoying a drink or two on your vacation is fine but it should be consumed in moderation.