The world has become an increasingly smaller place with so many of us being able to travel far and wide in search of adventure, work or something else entirely. But there’s something that often gets forgotten when packing up and heading away: our wellbeing. For vital tips on how to keep up healthy habits while on the move, read on for our guide on travel and wellness.
1. Nourishing Your Body While Away From Home
When travelling for an extended period of time, it can be hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re exploring a new city, or jet-setting around the world, here are some tips to nourish your body and stay healthy while away from home.
- Choose nourishing snacks: One of the easiest ways to keep your body healthy while on the go is to cleverly curate your snack selection. Aim for snacks that are rich in protein — like small packets of nut butter or boiled eggs — to ensure your energy levels remain consistent.
- Stay hydrated: Nothing is more important than ensuring you’re drinking plenty of water. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and try to top it up throughout the day. If plain water isn’t your thing, try adding a splash of fruit juice or herbs to give it a refreshing twist!
When selecting meals away from home, try to follow a few key guidelines to make sure you’re getting the most nourishment from your food. A balanced plate should contain lots of vegetables, proteins, whole-grains, and a modest amount of healthy fats. If you’re stuck for options at the airport or service station, make sure the meal you choose contains at least 2 of the above components.
As with anything, the key is getting back to basics. Identify what you need to ensure you can make every moment count without sacrificing your health and wellbeing. If you’re prepping meals ahead of your travels, feel free to add a few extra touches to make the experience more enjoyable. Opt for nutritious and flavoursome ingredients, such as quinoa, spinach, mushrooms and ricotta cheese, and don’t be afraid to try out a few plant-based recipes.
In a world that’s constantly on the move, don’t forget to pause and find ways to nourish your body. Eating well while travelling is certainly achievable — you just need to factor in a little extra time and thought.
2. Fighting Fatigue and Stress on the Road
Fatigue and stress on the road can be detrimental to a driver’s cognitive and physical health. But there are simple steps that can be taken to fight fatigue and stress while on the road.
- Eat Healthy: Make sure to get enough nutrients by eating meals high in complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies), as well as lean proteins and fats. Eating real, whole foods will give you the fuel and energy you need to stay focused and alert.
- Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Spend a few minutes stretching your body, walking around, and drinking plenty of water. This will help increase your focus and alertness while on the road.
- Reduce Stimuli: Noise and visual stimuli can be distracting while driving. Try to keep your environment as quiet and peaceful as possible by using noise-cancelling headphones or taking short breaks to stretch your legs and take in the environment.
- Create an Environment of Calm: When stress starts to build up while on the road, take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment. Visualize yourself in a calm, peaceful environment. This can help you reduce stress and get back to feeling calm and alert.
- Stay Physically Active: Exercise can help improve not only your physical but also your mental health. If you can, try to find time to squeeze in short exercises, walks, and stretches during your breaks. This will help you stay alert and refreshed while on the road.
At the end of the day, it’s important to practice self-care while on the road. Mindful eating, regular breaks, reducing stimuli, and staying physically active are some of the best ways to reduce fatigue and stress while driving. Taking the time to prioritize your health and well-being is essential for a safe and successful journey.
3. Taking Time to Prioritize Health and Wellbeing While Travelling
When travelling, it can be difficult to prioritize health and wellbeing. Long days, hectic itineraries, and changing environments all take their toll on our bodies. However, taking the time to safeguard our health and wellbeing is essential, no matter where we are in the world.
Follow These Tips for Optimal Health and Wellbeing While Travelling:
- Eat nourishing and nutritious foods to keep your energy levels up. Snack smart and stay hydrated. Where possible, opt for local, seasonal produce.
- Balance activity with rest. Don’t overload your schedule with too much sightseeing. Burn-out is best avoided with regular breaks and spa treatments.
- Stay connected with family and friends back home. Make an effort to keep in touch using Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp, or good old-fashioned snail-mail.
- Spend quality time alone. Being away from the trappings of home can be a great opportunity to get to know yourself and practice self-care.
- Find a space for relaxation. Whether you’re frequenting a yoga studio or meditating in your garden, spending time in nature can work wonders for your mindset.
- Take care of your mental health. Cultivate healthy habits such as curating a nightly gratitude list or journaling about your experiences.
Going away shouldn’t stop us from enjoying the benefits of good health. Sometimes, a little mid-travel indulgence can help us relax, recharge, and reset.
Whether it’s discovering the joy of early morning yoga, striving for a diverse diet, or simply giving our bodies and minds the rest it needs, travel is an adventure in self-care. Prioritizing our health and wellbeing helps us to make the most of our travels.
So, it’s important to remember to take the time to keep yourself in check. Not only will this benefit your physical and mental wellbeing, but it’ll also ensure that you make the most of each and every stage of your journey.
4. Tips and Tricks For Keeping Healthy Habits On the Go
Eat Fresh and Nutritious
Eating healthy while on the go can be tough, but the easiest way is to stay away from fast and processed food and to opt for fresher and more nutritious options. Pack salads, fruits, and other healthy snacks in a lunch box, or instead of eating out, make a quick stir-fry or wrap. You can also stock up on super foods such as bananas, apples, carrots and some other handy snacks.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important no matter where you are, so make sure to bring some sort of water with you. If you’re not a fan of plain old water, try flavored sparkling waters or some healthy juices and teas that you can mix up yourself. Along with a healthy meal, they’ll make sure you stay hydrated and energized all day.
Schedule Workouts
Finding enough time to get some physical activity can be difficult when you’re on the go but it’s still essential to finding time for you. Take advantage of every minute you have and look into short-term memberships at your local gym so you can fit in your workouts on the go. Prayoga or HIIT exercises are good for those who want to save time.
Know When to Slow Down
No matter how busy your life is, don’t forget to take regular breaks. They help you stay energized, alert, and give yourself time to finish each task with excellence. Create timeouts that are just for you – short breaks, spa treatments, or time in nature will give you a much-needed mental break from the day.
When traveling, it’s important to maintain healthy habits to keep you energized and prepared for the journey. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your journey and stay fit and well while on the go!
