Traveling is a great way to get away from the stresses of everyday life… to relax, unwind, and recharge. But how many times has your, what was supposed to be relaxing and fun, trip actually turned out to be a highly stressful experience, leaving you feeling physically and mentally worse than before? This happens all too often... but there are ways to prevent it!
Nora Tobin, performance enhancement and executive coach, nutrition specialist and CEO of Nora’s Naturals coffee, highlights the effects that all stages of travel can have on your overall health and wellbeing:
“When it comes to planning for travel, it’s easy to let stress take over and dictate the decisions you make and the attitude you carry. Although it can be difficult to push past this realm of anxiety-induced stress, traveling should be the escape in which you seek a stress-free and positive experience. With that said, it is extremely important to take care of both your body and mind during a time of travel in order to optimize your experience. The positive health benefits and effects of traveling (at least once a year) include; a decrease in the possibility of suffering a heart attack, stress relief, and a boosted mental health. Sleep, hydration and a relaxed mind will lead your experience to reach its fullest potential. It is not to be forgotten that traveling can be, and should be therapeutic and beneficial rather than just another distraction,” says Nora Tobin.
Nora highlights the importance of planning to prioritize your health before, during and after your big travel plans get underway:
“Many times, people forget the importance of both mental and physical health when traveling. Taking the reins and being proactive during a time of travel can determine the likeliness for a better trip overall in addition to a smooth post-travel transition. Especially during times of COVID, it is extra important to monitor your physical health while traveling and prepare for several different health emergencies ahead of time.”
Here are Nora’s top 5 tips for healthy traveling (before, during and after travel):
TIP #1: Do not overindulge and over-plan your trip
Doing this can lead to both stress and anxiety-related effects. Plan for time to relax your mind and body. Activities throughout travel should be exciting and fun rather than merely the next task to complete on your list.
TIP #2: Plan for a safe trip
Purchase and pack all needed medications and/or medical supplies that may be needed during your trip. It is important to plan for either sickness or injury during travel and best to be fully prepared for anything that may happen. Especially during pandemic times where illness runs rampant around the globe, it is crucial to be aware and prepared.
TIP #3: During long modes of transportation, move around!
Whether it may be on a plane, train, or car, it is important to take a few moments to stretch and move your body when you are in the same position for hours on end. Getting the blood flowing throughout your body will reduce your likelihood of being sore or uncomfortable after transportation.
TIP #4: Sleep
Although travel can consist of late nights or early mornings, it is very important to catch up on sleep, whether it’s going to bed early, sleeping in, or taking a midday nap. Plan your travel around your sleep, not your sleep around your travel!
TIP #5: After traveling, slowly begin to emerge back into everyday life
To maximize your experience during travel, it is important to take time for yourself after your trip. Your stress-free travel should not end the second you get home, but once you feel completely ready.
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