Traveling can be an exciting time for anyone but between exploring new destinations, packed schedules, and plenty of delicious cuisine, health and wellness goals can take a back seat. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right tips and tricks, you can balance your journey with the best health and wellness practices.
1. Navigating Wellness on the Road
Traveling for work can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Especially in the age of the pandemic, it is essential to stay healthy and aware while on the move. Here are some tips for .
Pack Well
- Make sure to bring healthy food options on the road, as it can be difficult to access healthy snacks away from home.
- Pack natural stress relief options such as essential oils or calming teas.
- Bring your own yoga mat, or if you don’t have space, grab a gym membership so you can keep up with your workouts on the road.
Take Care of Yourself
- Remember to get plenty of rest and avoid burning the candle on both ends.
- Take the time to unplug from technology and other work-related tasks to be present with yourself and your surroundings.
- Integrate mindfulness practices such as meditation to keep your mind calmer and focused while in a new place.
Stay Connected
- Utilize technology for communication with family and friends back home. Facetime, Skype, and social media can offer a bit of comfort when away from loved ones.
- Stay in touch with colleagues from the workplace by creating a network or setting up regular group calls.
- Create a work tribes if travelling for work regularly and schedule social activities for the team to engage in together.
doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right tools and planning, it can be an opportunity to cultivate deeper connections with yourself and the ones around you.
2. No Excuses: Making Time for Healthy Habits
There’s no excuse for not making time to prioritize healthy habits. The only person that can create a healthier lifestyle is you. To get started, simply clear the clutter in your life and make space for the habits you want to incorporate. Set aside dedicated time, structure your day, and be mindful in everything you do. Here are some key steps to creating a healthy habits routine:
- Remove any unhealthy temptations, like impossible to-do lists, last-minute obligations and too much screen time.
- Insert healthy habits into the day, like exercising, eating nutritiously, meditating and resting.
- Plan in advance; having a weekly plan for specific tasks, goals and activities will help create the right amount of routine.
Starting a healthy habit routine doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication, time and effort to complete. The good news is, it can be done. Figure out what motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle and use it as a constant reminder. Make sure you always have a plan and include regular check-ins to ensure you’re staying on target.
When putting together your new routine, don’t forget about rest and reward. Make sure to rest when needed to avoid burnout. Also, give yourself rewards for completing each task. Health should be top of mind, and no one should put their healthy habits into the background. It’s okay to take your time, but taking the right steps to creating a healthier lifestyle can be life-changing.
3. Ancient Health Secrets from Far-Flung Destinations
- Ayurvedic herbal remedies from India have been around for millennia. Many of the principles of this ancient science of keeping the human body healthy and balanced have proven successful in modern times. With its holistic approach to health and wellness, Ayurvedic medicine is increasingly being embraced by people in the West, drawn to its natural ingredients and restorative powers.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is another ancient form of health care that is being embraced around the world. TCM looks at a person holistically, and takes into account the mind-body connection. A major component of this is used to treat illnesses is through the use of Chinese herbs. Acupuncture, massage and tai chi are also important components of TCM.
- Another ancient health secret from far-flung destinations is the practice of Japanese Kampo Medicine. Kampo is the traditional medicinal system used in Japan and combines Chinese and Japanese herbal medicines to treat some of the same diseases as modern Western medicine. The herbs used in Kampo Medicine have been proven to help reduce inflammation, balance hormones and calm the mind.
- The ancient healing practice of Aboriginal Australian Bush Medicine has been used for centuries to heal injuries, illnesses, and ailments. It is believed that the healing powers of the Australian bush come from its many plants and minerals, such as eucalyptus, tea tree, and emu oil. Aboriginal Australians have used these plants and minerals to help their bodies and minds heal from a variety of illnesses and injuries.
The common theme running through the various ancient health systems of the world is the power of nature’s medicine. Herbal remedies, minerals, and other natural ingredients have been used for centuries to soothe our ills. Ancient health systems also take our spiritual well-being into account, and often they look at treating the body and mind as one. They focus on balance in all aspects of life: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
These offer a unique insight into how medicine has been used in different cultures for centuries. Whether it is Ayurvedic herbs from India, Chinese herbs from TCM, the minerals of the Australian Bush, or the herbs from Kampo Medicine in Japan, there is much to be gleaned from these ancient health practices. While it is important to keep up with modern medicine and medical practices, it is also important to take a look back to see what our ancestors were doing to stay healthy and balanced.
4. Nurturing Wellness Through Adventure
Adventure is the great equalizer, perfectly suited to cultivate mental and physical resilience. It offers the chance to check in with the present moment, while getting away from the noise and stress of everyday life.
An adventurous outing can help to slowly build trust and confidence in one’s capabilities, pushing oneself just a touch further than usual. It also refines problem-solving skills, which can be best utilized in the face of a demanding challenge. It is in these moments of challenge and self-discovery that the full power of adventuring really shines through.
- Get Outside – Stretch out your limbs, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the sights and sounds of the surroundings.
- Explore Nature – Notice the small details often overlooked in the hustle of everyday life.
- Soak Up the Sunshine – Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D, improving mood and boosting energy levels.
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone can have major breakthroughs in wellness. This cannot be achieved in the same way through an activity such as reading, walking, or yoga. Adventure is dotted with a whole host of mental and physical perks, pushing the body and mind like nothing else.
Wherever life takes you, remember to focus on health and wellness during travel; you’ll be thankful you did! Keep these tips in mind before heading off on your next adventure, and you’ll be sure to remain fit and healthy while getting the most out of your travel experiences. Enjoy the journey!