It’s no secret that traveling can be tough on your health. Between the time zone changes, the less-than-ideal sleeping arrangements, and the constant exposure to new people and places, it’s easy to let your health fall by the wayside. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With a little planning and forethought, you can keep your health on track even while you’re on the go.
Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling
Get Plenty of Rest
This one may seem obvious, but trying to get as much sleep as possible while you’re traveling is important. That means going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting up at a reasonable hour. Don’t worry about missing out on some nightlife. It also means being mindful of jet lag and giving yourself time to adjust to any time changes.
Here are some benefits of resting while on travel:
Maintain Good Memory and Focus
When well-rested, you can think more clearly and remember things better. That can come in handy when navigating a new city or remembering where you put your passport. You also don’t want to forget where you put your important documents.
Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system works hard to protect you from illness, but it can get run down if you don’t give it a break. When you’re well-rested, your immune system is better able to do its job. And that means you’re less likely to get sick while traveling.
Lessen Stress Levels
Traveling can be stressful. But did you know that being tired can make stress worse? When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to deal with stressful situations. So, if you want to keep your cool while traveling, ensure you get plenty of rest.
Eat Healthily
Eating whatever’s convenient when you’re on the road can be tempting, but that often means eating fast food or unhealthy snacks. Make an effort to eat three balanced meals a day and pack healthy snacks for when you’re on the go. To ensure that you are eating healthy while on your travel:
- Choose lean proteins like grilled chicken, fish, tofu, legumes, and eggs.
- Fill up on fruits and vegetables.
- Go for whole grains instead of refined carbs.
- Limit your intake of sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water daily.
Keep Your Oral Health in Check
Your oral health is important to your overall health, and it’s easy to let it slide when traveling. Be sure to brush and floss twice a day, and pack travel-sized toothpaste and mouthwash so you can stay on top of your oral hygiene while on the go.
Book an Appointment with the Dentist Before Leaving
Schedule an appointment at the dentist office if you’re due for a cleaning or check-up before you leave. That way, you can get any necessary treatments out of the way and have peace of mind knowing that your teeth are in good shape. If you need minor dental work or a filling, it’s best to get it done before you leave so you don’t have to worry about it while traveling.
Exercise
Just because you’re not in your home gym doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to stay active while traveling. Take advantage of hotel gyms or exercise classes, run or walk outside, or even do in-room workouts using your body weight. A little exercise will go a long way toward keeping you feeling your best.
How to Incorporate Physical Activities While Traveling
Take the Stairs: One easy way to sneak in some extra activity is to take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. It may not seem like much, but it can add over a day.
Get Off the Beaten Path: When exploring a new city, take some time to walk off the beaten path. Not only will you see some different sights, but you’ll also get in some extra steps.
Take a Bike Tour: Many cities offer bike tours that are a great way to see the sights and get some exercise simultaneously.
Explore by Foot—One of the best ways to see a new city is to explore it on foot. Not only will you get a better sense of the lay of the land, but you’ll also get in some extra steps.
Happy Travels!
Traveling can be hard on your health, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and forethought, you can stay healthy and happy even while on the go. So don’t sacrifice your health the next time you travel—follow these tips and enjoy your trip without sacrificing your overall well-being.
