Meet Your Body’s Travel Needs
Be sure to lift those heavy suitcases with the strength of your legs, not your back.
Traveling is one of life’s most exciting experiences. Seeing another culture, country, or even a neighboring state gives us memories that last a lifetime. Traveling for business can be arduous, tedious, or stressful. With the all tasks involved in travel, it might be easy to forget to prioritize your health. I have some simple ways to address your body’s travel needs.
Stretch. If you’re traveling by plane or train, get up and walk the aisles. You may even find a small area that you’re able to stretch out in. If you’re in the car, remember to stop every couple of hours to get out to walk and stretch. This will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take pictures!
Hydrate. Drinking water regularly is one of the easiest ways to make sure your body gets the hydration it needs to work properly. Air travel is especially dehydrating. Dehydration can exacerbate fatigue, jet-lag, muscle soreness, and headache.
Lifting heavy suitcases. When you’re loading up the car or bringing your bag to the airport, be sure to lift with the strength of your legs, not your back. If use a roller bag, hang you other bags on the roller bag rather than your shoulder, and switch arms occasionally so you don’t strain your shoulders.
Support your neck. There are countless options for supportive travel pillows. Find one that works for you to make sure your neck is in its optimal position. Try to lighten shoulder bags, and use backpacks or cross body bags when you can. Be mindful about avoiding forward head position when reading or using screens.
Support your back. A small towel or article of clothing can be rolled up and placed behind you at your lower back to give it the support your seat may not have.
Sleep. Sleep on your side or back, not your stomach. A good stretch after you sleep can also make a difference in the way you feel. Ask us about using melatonin before bed to help minimize jet-lag. Keep a meditation practice going when you travel.
Meditation. Meditation, like sleep, helps your nervous system be more organized. You can use guided-meditations, or do a simple mindfulness practice by following your breath. Breath normally and count exhales until lose count, or reach 10, and start again. Hint: most people never make it to 10 before thoughts make them lose count. Just notice when you are lost in thought and refocus on your breath.
Exercise. You might find that rolling your shoulders and ankles makes your blood circulate to areas that feel cramped from traveling. Walking is usually an option wherever you go. Consider adding short sessions of yoga, Pilates, or “burst training” in your hotel room. You can find workouts to follow on YouTube. Your body was meant to move, so meet its needs while you’re away and at home!
Travel Remedies. There are so many travel remedies I love, so talk to me about your specific needs! Here are some of my favorites. Carry a zip lock bag of essential oils. I love peppermint for soreness, headache, and breath freshener. Lavender for calves and feet at bedtime. Eucalyptus on calves during long flights, and on the chest and throat for respiratory. congestion. I also carry a vial of homeopathic nux vomica in case of upset stomach, and arnica for muscle soreness or bruising.
Remember, a chiropractic check-up before you leave will assure a voyage of wellness, and might be just what you need when you return. We’ll make sure your body keeps feeling great.