Traveling opens us to adventure fun opportunities and new horizons. Whether it is traveling for work or vacation, it is important to prioritize health, movement and a timely routine for food and sleep. Often when we are traveling we have to compromise on a number of items that include our physical activities, overall fitness, digestion and quality of sleep. So staying healthy often gets ignored especially while we are traveling.
Therefore, it is important to decode some expert tips that will not only help you remain healthy. But will also keep tiredness, stiffness, mental agitation etc. at bay and allow you to fully enjoy your travel alongside staying fit.
These activities need not be highly physical or time demanding. Just a small mindful session that includes full body stretches, breath work techniques and some basic movements to allow you to reset your mind and keep your body active. Incorporating a simple yoga practice in your entire journey will allow you to stay energized grounded and stay afresh for the purpose of your travel. In this guide, we shall be learning some expert healthy travel tips to elevate our travel experience.
Why travelling becomes hectic for the body as well as mind
Creates physical fatigue
Whether it is long hours of a train journey or a jet lag from a flight, our bodies have to suffer tiredness and physical fatigue from long and stiff hours of sitting. It is therefore important to introduce certain elements in the everyday routine which is a non-negotiable.
Impacts digestion
It is very common to see the impacts of travel on your digestion and appetite. It certainly is one thing to enjoy the local cuisines and street food of the places you are visiting. But it is also important to keep in mind the portion, the times of eating and the regularity of your meal intervals. Often when people are traveling these things get sidelined and dieting is one of the first things that get impacted and this in turn impacts our entire day.
Creates stress
Whether it is the rush of taking a taxi or the anxiety to reach the airport or train station on time, traveling definitely creates stress. We do not only have to adjust our routines and meet the travel timings but also fit in as per our environment. While we are traveling new schedules, constant planning, crowd etc. create stress as well as trigger our anxiety levels.
Hampers routine
Well there is no surprise that travel hampers our routine. When we are at the comforts of our home and following our regular schedules, we can keep on carrying out a day as per our plans. But when we are traveling we have to adjust and reschedule a lot of things that includes our sleep timings, food timings and managing other tasks. So in order travel rush free we entirely rush ourselves.
How introducing yoga practice even while travelling, will help you stay healthy
Promotes blood circulation – It is no surprise that long hours of traveling can create stiffness in our body. When we practice yoga, the yogic asanas not only open up the stiff joints in the body, but also promote good oxygen flow in the tissues and nervous system.
Keeps the body active – Long hours of travel can create lethargy and fatigue. Practicing even a short session of yoga which is entirely meant for the purpose of grounding and refreshment can help us to stay active and influence our mood.
Promotes quality sleep – It is a proven fact that practicing yoga and breath work enhances our sleep duration as well as our quality of sleep. People tend to use breath work techniques and relaxation methodology such as Yoga Nidra to gradually slow down the breathing and gently allow the body to fall asleep.
Helps you stay mobile and flexible – Practicing any kind of physical movement, whether it is a short run or a small session of Sun Salutations can help us stay mobile and flexible throughout the day. Often when we are outside our homes in a different place and following a completely impromptu routine, our workout is one of the first things that gets impacted.
Keeps metabolism and digestion on track – One of the best things about Yoga is that there is a certain asana for every situation and physical requirement. Whether you are looking for a solution for better digestion, quality sleep, better fertility levels, stamina or overall endurance. Anything that is related to your body or mind there is something for everyone in yoga. So including even 15 minutes of yoga, especially during your travel will allow your metabolism and digestion to be on track.
Helps you recollect your inner balance –Traveling sometimes creates chaos and peaks up our anxiety Practicing yoga in addition to keeping us energetic also relaxes our mind and refreshes our mode mood practicing yoga allows you to recollect your inner balance, and fully enjoy your experience.
Some travel friendly yogic poses to keep you healthy
Marjaryasana Bitilasana (Cat-Cow pose)
The cat cow pose is one of the most effective pose that stretches the spine and the lower back. It is great to remove tension from long hours of sitting.
Uttanasana ( Forward fold)
This posture is also effective stretching the spine, hips and the hamstrings. The forward folds allows the body to circulate blood in the head region and enhances mood.
Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose)
This is perhaps one of the most fun asanas in yoga. It is the perfect yoga for travelers. It can be performed even on your hotel bed by simply putting up your legs against the wall, while you are preparing your next day’s schedule or simply scrolling through your phone.
Breath work techniques you can easily do while travelling
- Pranayama (Yogic breath work)
- Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing)
- Ujjayi breath ( Victorious breath)
- Kapalbhati (Skull shining breath)
Expert tips to maintain good health, travel – special
- Consciously try to stay hydrated. Whether it is a lemonade, detox water, or simple tap water, it is important to stay hydrated to maintain energy, freshness and good mood.
- Eat healthy food. It is a delicious delight to try new food,or local cousines while travelling. But it is important to limit sugar and caffeine, and consume healthy fruits, whole grains, millets etc. This will help you stay full, control cravings and remain light and energetic.
- Carry your personal health essential items. This could be anything from a foldable mat, to your medicines to your healthy snacks or even a light scarf, which you can use if you wish to practice meditation for grounding.
- Always stay on the move. Like, literally try to remain active. Whether it is talking those difficult flight of stairs, choosing to eat healthy, or simply maintaining discipline and consistency for your workout, being active is a huge asset.
- Listen to your body. Nobody can understand it better than you. Stretch when you feel like, and take rest when your body sends a signal for it. Listening to our bodies is the biggest honor we can do for it.
Conclusion
No matter what the purpose of travel, being mindful and consciously active will not only allow you to stay fit in general. But also elevate your overall travel experience. You will not only be able to enjoy during your travel, but also stay energetic, fit and grounded during your journey.
A few simple stretches, pause for breath work and a simple and consistent yoga routine which might only be for 15 minutes will allow to stay healthy during your travel. If you want to deepen your yoga practice and carve a specific niche in the field of yoga coming for a Yoga teacher training in Goa will help you enjoy travel yoga as well as gain a professional edge in your career.