Traveling during the holidays can be both exciting and stressful. With crowded airports, long car rides, and indulgent holiday treats, it’s easy to let healthy habits slide. However, with a little planning and a mindful approach, maintaining wellness this season can be achievable. Here are the tips we practice to help maintain routine and wellness while away from home.
Bring Healthly Foods with Your Carry-on
Instead of relying on airport food or unhealthy snacks, take charge of your own nutrition by packing your own healthy meals and snacks. Opt for nutrient-rich options like homemade salads, fresh fruits, and protein bars. Packing a salad for the plane ride is a great option as it provides essential vitamins and minerals to keep you from feeling run-down. We love to save our takeout containers for this reason exactly, those egg-drop soup containers make for the perfect salad container. If flying, be sure to choose foods that travel well and comply with airline regulations.
Stay Hydrated
Traveling can be dehydrating, especially during long flights in the dry air of the winter holiday months. Remember to drink plenty of water before and during your journey to stay well-hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle and ask the flight attendants to refill it for you. Staying hydrated not only promotes overall health but also helps prevent common winter and travel-related issues such as jet lag and dry skin.
Move Frequently
Long hours spent sitting in planes, trains, or in a car can leave us feeling stiff and lethargic. To counteract this, make an effort to move around as much as possible during your journey. Take short walks up and down the aisle, stretch your legs and back, and do some simple exercises while seated, like leg lifts or shoulder rolls. Regular movement promotes blood circulation, prevents muscle stiffness, and keeps you feeling more energized. Plus if you’re staying hydrated, this helps to promote movement with a trip to the restroom.
Maintain Your Glow
This goes hand-and-hand with staying hydrated. Drinking enough water helps replenish moisture levels, prevent skin issues, and promote a clear complexion. Hydration is key during the winter months and the same goes for your skin, so opt for richer moisturizers, facial oils, and serums that will replenish and protect your skin from the harsher elements.
Travel can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dull and dehydrated. Be sure to prioritize a clean and moisturized skincare routine while on the go. Begin with a gentle cleanser and look for nourishing ingredients like botanical extracts and antioxidants to protect your skin amidst the stressors of travel. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture without clogging pores, keeping your skin plump and supple while traveling.
Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and leave you feeling tired and irritable. Make it a priority to get enough rest before and during your travels. Adjust your sleep schedule a few days before your trip to ensure you’re well-rested. During the journey, bring a travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs to help create a comfortable sleeping environment. If needed, consider taking short naps along the way to rejuvenate and stay alert.
