How to be healthy while traveling. We’ve all been there, you are finally going on a much needed vacation only to get sick at your destination. It’s terrible and certainly not fun. The last time I was away for a few weeks on a working vacation, I had such a bad cold that I spent two days lying on the couch feeling sorry for myself.
While there unfortunately aren’t any guarantees when traveling there are some things you can do to help you stay healthy and feeling great.
HOW TO BE HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING
Sleep. Chances are that you are going on vacation to get some rest, so take advantage of it. While sightseeing is fantastic and highly recommended, it’s just as important to make sure you get enough sleep. When you are run down and exhausted you are more susceptible to catching all sorts of unwanted germs. Think about this, you’ve just been carrying heavy luggage, sitting on a cramped plane and possibly even crossing time zones. Your body isn’t used to that and needs to recuperate. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a bit of a break.
Once you get to your destination, pace yourself a bit. I’m definitely one of those people who just wants to jump right in and see everything immediately. By the end of the first day I’m usually sore and achy and the next day is never as much fun. Instead, it’s wiser to parcel out the neighbourhoods you want to see and to take your time really enjoying them rather than making it into a race.
Move. Okay sure, I get it, it’s tempting to go lie on a beach somewhere and pretend the world isn’t happening around you, but not moving at all isn’t good for you. Just getting up and walking around, seeing some sights, will boost your mood, help control your weight (because surely you’ll be indulging more than usual) and generally give you more energy. Make it your mission to walk everywhere. It’s the best exercise and you won’t even notice you are moving because you will be immersing yourself in a new city. Don’t forget to stretch every morning and for a few minutes before going to bed.
For more, read: WHY IS EXERCISE SO IMPORTANT
Spoil Yourself. Look, there is a reason you are on vacation, so go ahead and indulge. Whether it’s being adventurous or going for a deluxe spa treatment, part of taking a vacation is helping rid your body of unwanted and unneeded stress. Let loose and live a little. Stress is a big and negative impact on your health so let it go and vow to come home relaxed and ready for anything. Open your mind and heart because you never know what wonderful things could happen on vacation.
Eat Well. It’s very tempting to overeat and indulge all the time, but if you do then you’ll likely wind up gaining weight and making yourself sick. You can still eat yummy local food, just do it in moderation and make sure you take a walk after each meal. While you’re at it, make sure that you have some basic medications that you would usually have at home. Getting an upset stomach due to food you aren’t used to sucks. Have something with you so you aren’t stuck scrambling for a pharmacy which might not carry products that you are comfortable with.
On that note, I have a very sensitive stomach and there have been times when I’ve gone a whole day without eating because I couldn’t find anything suitable. Another trick is to buy a few things for your hotel room so that you have some healthy snacks around. There’s honestly no excuse not to find healthy options wherever you are. The food might be more expensive and harder to come by, but I promise you it’s there.
Read, TRAVELING WITH A SENSITIVE STOMACH
Hydrate. So many of us are bad at not drinking enough water every day, let alone when on vacation. Water will regulate your system and will keep you from getting sleepy when those mid day slumps hit.
Read: WHY NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER CAN MAKE YOU FAT
The key to a good vacation is balance. Enjoy yourself, live a little, have a drink or several, but try not to overdo it. A vacation only lasts a week or two, so try to make the most of it and come home healthy, re-charged and ready to get on with your life!
If you need some workout inspiration for your trip, read: URBAN HIKING THE NEW WORKOUT and try out this in hotel workout: (get the full workout here: BEST TRAVEL WORKOUT)
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