For many people, the upcoming holidays mean a rise in traveling and time outside of one’s home. Travel can pose a risk to one’s digestive health due to the interruption in one’s regular schedule when traveling. It is important to be prepared before, during, and after your trips for any health complications that may arise. People tend to experience more indigestion, colds, and fatigue while traveling. These are all complications that you do not want to have to deal with while visiting loved ones, which is why we have compiled a list of must-haves in your carry-on for your upcoming trips. We have separated the must-haves between the following categories: for digestive health, for mental health, and for physical health.
The Non-Negotiables To Keep In Your Luggage for Healthy Digestion
- A probiotic supplement - A supplement for bloating that contains probiotics is one of the most tried and true digestive-support items you need to invest in. Probiotics are live microorganisms that help to increase the amount of healthy bacteria and minimize the amount of harmful bacteria in one’s gut. Healthy bacteria is needed to maintain a healthy digestive system. Without it, you are more prone to experiencing irregular bowel movements, constipation, and abdominal pain. Taking a probiotic supplement with you on your trip will only further support and protect your gut from experiencing any of the complications listed above.
- A water bottle - Water is one of the most crucial parts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Hydration helps to minimize symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and diarrhea. Due to the nature of traveling, it can become easy to forget to drink water or not have as easy of access to water that you would at home. This is why bringing a portable water bottle with you is so crucial.
- Ginger tea - Ginger is a great remedy whenever you are feeling nauseous or generally unwell. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that also help to soothe the digestive tract. Nausea is a very common symptom to experience when traveling whether it be from the plane, exhaustion, or dehydration. Do not let nausea overtake your trip and pack a couple ginger tea bags to take with you on the road. If hot water is not accessible, you might want to consider taking ginger candies instead. They will offer similar effects while being more convenient.
Mental Health Tips and Tricks While Traveling
While traveling is meant to be a time of excitement and adventure, it can also bring many feelings of anxiety and sadness depending on the occasion. Taking care of your mental health is just as important on vacation as it is at home, but many tend to overlook this and spend their vacation with feelings of unease. Here are the tips we use in order to best prepare ourselves mentally for a trip.
- Write in a journal: Journaling is a great way to get your emotions on paper, whether that is to simply put the emotions somewhere or to better understand them. Journaling before a trip can help you to clear your mind, especially if you are going on a particularly emotionally-heavy trip. It can also be a great way to reflect before the trip on what is to come – this is particularly helpful for those who struggle with the unknown.
- Meditate: Planning and preparing for a trip can feel stressful. You might not even realize just how mentally drained you have gotten while preparing for the trip. It is important to take some time for yourself before your trip to center your mind and your spirit. Meditation is a great way to do so, and comes in many forms. Pick the form of meditation that is right for you and allow your mind to settle.
- Make a list: Planning for a trip and figuring out the small details can take a toll on you. Making a list of all the things that need to get done, and the activities you for sure want to do on your trip will help you to feel more settled. Remember, you will not be able to hash out every detail, but knowing what is most important to you will help you to feel more in control and in turn at ease.
How To Maintain Your Physical and Overall Health During a Trip
The fall and winter months are the most brutal times to travel due to the weather. The colder weather significantly raises our chances of experiencing illnesses such as the common cold. It is important to take care of one’s immunity levels and physical health before, during, and after a trip to avoid experiencing illnesses.
Here are some non-negotiable, immunity-boosting tips to consider.
- Prioritize sleep: As hard as it can be leading up to a trip and on the actual trip, try and prioritize your sleep as much as possible. A lack of sleep can cause one to fall ill and feel generally unwell. If you find that you cannot seem to get a good night’s sleep, consider drinking chamomile before bed.
- Exercise: Try and exercise before, during, and after your trip as much as possible. A sedentary lifestyle raises the potential of experiencing issues such as weak muscles, strains, digestive complications, and illnesses. Low-impact exercises like yoga, walking, and pilates are wonderful options if you are looking for a less intense, but still want to get a good workout in.
- Limit processed foods and artificial sweeteners: A whole diet with healthy fruits, veggies, grains, fats, and proteins is going to be your best friend the weeks leading up to your trip. Whole foods help you to feel stronger, healthier, and protect your body from illnesses. In turn, also try to avoid processed foods and artificial sweeteners, because these will cause inflammation in the body and can even slow down your digestive process.
While traveling always comes with its own surprises, these tips and items are a great way to help feel supported on your journey. Traveling should be fun and enjoyable without the added stress!