It’s officially summer and that means it’s time to pack your bags and explore the world, or your own backyard!
Whether you are a weekend warrior or an international traveler, the adventure is good for your health. Traveling relaxes your body, challenges your mind and broadens your horizons. Travel also comes with its stressors, so it’s a good idea to take care of yourself while you’re away.
Take control of your health while traveling.
Hydration: Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, so the importance of drinking water cannot be stressed enough. Water flushes out toxins and provides cushioning for our joints. Being in the dry air of a plane, combined with the increase in altitude, contributes to a loss of moisture levels and dehydration. Drink at least eight ounces of water per hour and avoid alcohol and caffeine as they both dehydrate your body. Try adding a Hydrate stick to plain or coconut water for B vitamins, potassium and electrolytes.
Extra Activity: Don’t stray from your fitness routine while you travel. If you have an afternoon flight, get up early and squeeze in a walk or extra workout. Since you’ll be sitting on your flight, wear comfortable shoes and walk the terminal to make sure you get your steps in. Whether your flight is four or 18 hours, make sure you get up and walk the aisle during your flight. After landing and settling in, visit the hotel gym.
Sunscreen: Don’t leave home without it. Look for sunscreens with both UVA and UVB protection. When selecting one, buy a minimum of SPF 30+. If you are going to be in the sun, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure, and be sure to reapply every two hours.1
Stress Management: Allowing time for the commute to the airport, long security lines and potential flight delays can add stress which weakens our immune systems. It can be difficult waiting around, but practicing a bit of patience goes a long way.
- Allow plenty of time to get to the airport and be prepared for long lines.
- Check the weather and keep an eye on your flight to ensure you don’t miss any important notifications, such as delays and gate changes.
- Remember to focus on deep belly breaths when you feel tensions rise.
- Pack GoYin On the Go to help bring your body into balance and enhance your well-being*
- Listen to music, get lost in a good book, pack plenty of activities for the kids, and remember, sometimes things just come up, so allow for some flexibility.
- And if you’re ever stuck wondering how to make the most out of a difficult travel situation, this guy got stuck in the airport overnight and made a music video. Enjoy the laughs, which also relieve tension.
Plan meals in advance: Travel with your own food. Not only can you save money but you can watch your calorie intake while making sure you eat the most nourishing foods. Bring some low sugar, high protein bars, jerky, raw nuts, dried fruit and an apple and peanut butter. Pack a sandwich with chicken or turkey on a gluten-free wrap and plenty of veggies. Eat before your flight, too.
Sleep: Don’t wait to pack the night before. You need a solid 7-8 hours of sleep. Research has shown that skimping on sleep makes you even more susceptible to catching a virus. When you’re on the plane, take a pillow and eye mask to catch up on some sleep. Bring along some SleepTrim capsules to help relax your body mentally and physically.* This is best when taken at night.
Take Your Vitamins: Daily Build is a must. With 23 essential vitamins and minerals, Daily Build provides broad spectrum antioxidant protection as well as cardiovascular, blood glucose, brain and nervous system and immune support.*
One more tip: Wash your hands regularly and sanitize your area often. Travel with wipes to clean off the tray table, head rest and arm rest on the plane. Carry our travel-size, 2 oz. bottle of Skin Defense to spray on your hands to keep them clean. Also, bring your own pillow and/or blanket as germs tend to lurk on the ones provided on the plane.
Staying on top of your health will ensure that you’re not spending your hard-earned vacation fighting off a cold and missing time with your family.
Everyone has their own tips and tricks, so let us know on Facebook how you stay healthy when traveling during the summer.
1https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent/how-to-apply-sunscreen
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.