Wellness Wanders
Okay let’s get something straight, I LOVE seeing new places, and reuniting with old ones. Traveling is great, except for the actual travel part. Planes make me feel gross, trains are loud, we can’t always bring our dogs, and it’s hard to come by a healthy meal or uphold our routines that keep us grounded.
You might think traveling is the time to throw wellness to the wind. However, let’s talk through that. Wellness isn’t exercising, eating healthy, sleeping 8 hours, and keeping up with your skincare routine. Wellness is about doing the things that make you feel alive, the things that make you feel great in your skin, and in your mind.
Arguably, when you’re traveling is one of the most important times to be well. You’re making memories. Don’t you want to remember yourself feeling your best?
I thought soooo. Here are some things you can do to stay well without taking away from the festivities and fun.
Stay Hydrated
No excuses. We’re lucky enough to live in the United States, where clean water is literally everywhere. Sometimes my clients talk about hydration like it’s this foreign thing they’ve been told to do but don’t really care about because there’s no immediate gain that comes from it. To which I say “what???”. Trust me, once you hydrate, you don’t go back. Besides all the incredibly important but arguably boring health benefits, hydrating properly also makes your skin look it’s best, reduces bloating and improves digestion, helps prevent overeating, and even makes you think clearer.
PRO TIP: In essence, get yourself an insulated water bottle that you won’t mind sticking in your travel bag. Take it with you anywhere you go, and refill it throughout the day. It’s that easy.
Eat Whole Food Meals
Notice, I didn’t say “healthy” meals. Just whole food meals. Don’t get hung up on healthy and not healthy. Indulge in the chocolate cake/beer/crab cakes, whatever floats your boat. Just don’t forget those actual nutritious meals. Make sure your meals are structured around a protein and a veggie. Just because you’re in vacay mood doesn’t mean you can forget your broccoli.
PRO TIP: If you’re at a restaurant, make one of your sides vegetables (every restaurant has this option) and go for lean protein like chicken, turkey, or fish. If not, skip out on dessert OR an appetizer. You can indulge, but you don’t need everything. You can end the night satisfied as opposed to in a food coma.
Get Your Steps In
Let’s be real, no one really wants to go to the gym on vacation. AND that’s totally fine. You deserve a break, you deserve some slack. However, don’t forget to move. Take a look at this article for information on why just 30 minutes of walking makes a big difference. The short version is this:
This is important when on vacation because there’s NO EXCUSE. in fact, it would make your travels better. Google maps is your best friend. Find a cool spot, walk it, take the doggo if you have him, and start (or end) your day doing something good for your body that also burns calories and boosts creative thinking. Maybe you’ll solve that pesky work problem after all…all while exploring a new town.
Unplug
Like I said, wellness isn’t just about exercising and eating apples. Wellness lives in your mind too. Take the opportunity to unplug this season. During your travels you shouldn’t be frantically answering those slack messages (please turn those off). This time is your you time. It’s the time to reflect on your past year. What did you like? What can you improve? What do you want out of the next year?
Work will always be there, but don’t forget about what’s important. Take time for those loved ones around you that is unencumbered by any other stressors. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Keep a Sense of Routine
This might seem a little counterintuitive given everything you’ve heard about travel. I’m not saying go to the gym at 6am, work until 6pm, and meal prep for an hour before collapsing on the couch. I’m saying…have that morning cup of coffee. Get that morning movement in. Do that nightly journaling session. Hold on to the parts of your routine that make you feel like you, and adapt them to where you’re at. The result is only you feeling more…you.
Anyway, I won’t talk your ear off. The point is, traveling can be amazing, with a big “if”. IF you take care of yourself traveling can be rewarding, enlightening, and refreshing. You can be yourself, and you can be present. This year, don’t neglect the basics. Instead, prioritize them. Then tell me about how great it was when you come in for your next adjustment. 😉
Subscribe to Our Newsletter !
Stay Up-to-Date on Wellness and Our Specials! We Promise Not to Spam You!
