Wellness on the Go: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
Traveling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health goals. Wherever you are headed, you can stay healthy while traveling with some simple strategies. In this article, we’ll walk you through five tips to help you stay on track while traveling.
Over the past few years, I have had several trips a year between Alaska and Colorado. I have also had occasional trips for my own businesses during that time.
We even took our first-ever family vacation to Hawaii.
I received compensation from Bayer Consumer Health, makers of MiraLAX® to write this post. MiraLAX® is a laxative used to treat occasional constipation. All opinions are entirely my own. #ReLAXOnTheGo #CollectiveBias
As much as I enjoy seeing new places and having all the experiences that come with travel, there are some issues that occasionally come up.
First off, travel can generate its own special kind of stress.
If you are flying somewhere, you have to worry about getting to the airport early enough to make it through security.
If you are driving long distances, you need to make sure the vehicle is ready for the trip and plan my route.
Then there is the stress associated with being in an unfamiliar place.
One of the results of these layers of stress is that travel can become one of those times when occasional constipation. When that happens, you tend to get more stressed out!
5 Ways to Maintain Your Healthy Lifestyle While Traveling
The more things you can do while traveling to stay on your normal schedule and routines, the better.
However, that is sometimes easier said than done.
Sometimes that airfare you can afford is for the red-eye flight that leads to poor sleep.
Other times, you may have long distances to cover in a vehicle with a time crunch that means a lot of time cooped up.
These tried and true tips can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling.
Tip #1: Choose Your Travel Outfit Wisely!
Years ago, people dressed up when traveling by air or train.
Now it looks more like anything goes with people in whatever they feel like wearing.
I like to be dressed comfortably enough but have added my new travel friend, compression stockings, to the mix when I will be flying for more than 2 hours or stuck in a car for many hours each day.
Embracing these special socks came after a girlfriend noticed my ankles were somewhat swollen after a long trip from Alaska to New Mexico by air.
I always make sure my shoes are great for walking, too.
Sneakers are a favorite for travel, although when flying up to Alaska I will sometimes wear my hiking boots instead. When I do that, it is more about saving space and weight in my bag than complete comfort.
Tip #2: Make Time to Move Around!
This pairs well with my use of compression socks. Our bodies need motion to stay in a more optimal range of health.
If you are flying and have a long enough layover, take a walk around the concourse just to walk.
On a long road trip by car? Add at least a few minutes to each gas station stop just to walk around and get your circulation moving.
Even better on a long road trip are planned extended stops.
This could be to picnic at a rest area or visit a local attraction along your route.
Tip #3: Stay Hydrated!
Water is crucial for our bodies to function well.
When you are traveling, it can be easy to forget or actually forgo drinking enough water.
Traveling by air is dehydrating, yet many people on board the plane not drinking or selecting beverages that dehydrate you more!
Pack a reuseable water bottle in your carry-on bag. (I have a insulated, steel water bottle that I adore for this!)
It arrives at the airport empty and is filled when you are at the gate.
Just leave a little extra space at the top and open it carefully when on the plane as it will become pressurized.
Driving long distances for travel can provide the temptation to not drink so you don’t have to make frequent restroom stops.
However, that’s doing your body a disservice if you take that approach.
Besides, those breaks mean you have a reason to get up and move!
Tip #4: Pack Your Own Meals or Snacks
Aside from saving money, items that you pack yourself can be healthier than most of what you can quickly get on the road (or at the airport.)
Personal favorites for snacks on a plane include an apple, some form of protein-rich bar, and possibly some nuts or a ‘gorp’ mix.
When driving long distances, pack a cooler with items for sandwiches along with a bag filled with different snacks.
Traveling in an RV kicks it up a notch so that you can have entire meals prepped and ready to just reheat.
Now, there are times when I do pick up some food on the run.
I always try to make sure there are plenty of vegetables included in my dish.
Tip #5: Bring Along Helpers
Beyond packing any regular medications or supplements (like a good multivitamin), there are other helpers you can bring along.
These helpers are not people, but rather, additional items that can help your body function properly while you travel.
Support Your Immune System
To help protect yourself from airborne illnesses, you can pack a product like Airborne or Emergen C to help bolster your immune system with Vitamin C and other vitamins.
If you have problems with motion sickness, then bands that target pressure points coupled with a medication like Dramamine can help.
While drinking lots of water, being physically active, and eating nutritious food with plenty of fiber can help, there are times when occasional constipation still occurs.
There is a whole different level of uncomfortable when this happens and your fun trip may no longer seem like as much fun.
Before heading off on my next adventure, I can stock up on the helpers.
The latest addition to my travel bag is the MiraLAX® Mix-In Pax®. I found it on the shelf at the nearby Target and knew this was a super convenient way to have a helper on hand.
—> Find your nearest Target here <—
Why MiraLAX®?
I like that it works with my body’s natural process to provide effective relief from occasional constipation. Specifically, it works with the water in my body helping to get things moving naturally. No harsh side effects for me!
Note ~ Like anything, please use as directed.
These packets fit nicely into my ‘necessities’ bag which I keep inside a larger travel bag.
When you hit the open road or friendly skies, the last thing you want is to be miserable from your body being out of sorts.
Rather, I will be traveling more prepared with MiraLAX® Mix-In Pax® on hand. After all, I want to enjoy my time with the family and not be worried about how my plumbing is working (or if occasional constipation has occurred.)
What are some ways that you maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling?
Is MiraLAX® Mix-In Pax® a helper you’ve packed into your bag?