Traveling And Wellness: Easy Ways To Prioritize Your Health Abroad

Traveling abroad offers you new destinations, where you can experience different cultures and enjoy memorable adventures. But one thing travelers often ignore is getting sick on the move. Travel can sometimes be rough on your well being, with disrupted sleep schedules, unhealthy food choices and sitting for long hours. Fortunately, and with a bit of preparation, you can make sure you look after your health wherever you go. Here are some easy ways to give health top priority when you travel to another country.

Stay Hydrated

You can quickly become dehydrated simply by traveling to a warmer destination, and especially if you’re busy sightseeing or being transported. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and irritability, which can negatively impact your travel experience. Always carry a refillable water bottle with you to stay hydrated. Refill water at plenty of airports and public places instead of buying plastic bottles one by one. It’s important to balance relaxation and fun, and watching something entertaining, like WatchMyGF, can be a great way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing and travel.

Besides water, herbal teas or coconut water can assist to replenish electrolytes. It’s also best to avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol as they can also be dehydrating.

Eat Mindfully

One of the highlights of traveling is trying new foods, but it’s important to also monitor your nutrition while doing so, as it’s amazingly easy slip into an endless culinary path of local delicacies known not for their health benefits. Sure, it’s great to try out local cuisine, but there’s a fine line. Choose to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains while trying to avoid fried and processed foods.

If your stay includes kitchen use at your accommodation, you’ll find it convenient to cook some of your meals. By preparing your own food you have the control in portion sizes and ingredients, which is great when you visit locations with brands of food and ingredients that may not be aligned with your diet.

Keep Moving

Traveling is also sedentary territory unless you rent a car, for example, long flights, long bus rides make it easy to not be active and then there is the temptation to relax by lounging in your hotel. Though, to maintain your energy levels, mental health and physical health, physical activity is necessary. Thankfully, getting active on the go doesn’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment.

While on vacation, take a walking tour of a city so you can get some exercise and enjoy the sights all at once. Cycling, hiking, and swimming are very popular at many destinations, with many great places to stay fit while enjoying the local scenery. You can also do a simple yoga or stretching routine if you have time, to release sitting and carrying luggage tension that can last for extended periods.

Prioritize Sleep

The most common issue travelers face is jet lag which tilts your sleep schedule and turns you tired and moody. Not getting enough sleep can also weaken your immune system and overall health leaving you vulnerable to getting sick.

The key to fighting jet lag is to slowly adjust your sleep schedule before you leave for your trip by a few days. If you’re crossing time zones, accommodate your sleep patterns to the time zone of the place you are going. Once you do come, find some exposure to natural light to readjust your internal clock. In case you are short of sleep, use a sleep mask, earplugs or white noise apps to ban the disturbances.

Practice Stress Management

Travel can be stressful, you may miss a flight, a place is unfamiliar or you don’t speak the language. Stress needs to be managed to keep your physical and mental health at homeostasis.

Therefore, integrate relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises or mindfulness into your daily schedule. And whenever you feel like you need calm to relax, there are apps like Headspace or Calm where you can have guided sessions, just to help you relax wherever you are. Finally taking time to relax and reset will not only make you happier, but it’ll help you get the most out of your travels.

Pack Health Essentials

As self confessed thrill seekers, traveling abroad should include the right health essentials in your suitcase. Don’t forget your medications, a first aid kit, hand sanitizers, as well as antibacterial wipes. It’s also a good idea to bring along supplements or vitamins you might need while you’re running around to maintain your health, like probiotics or vitamin C.

Always carry something with you in case of emergency if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. It’s also good to have health related travel insurance because you never know when you might need medical assistance while traveling abroad.

Listen To Your Body

Lastly, don’t just not forget to listen to your body. Travel is exciting, but way too easy to overdo with lots of long days of sightseeing, new activities and staying up late. If you’re feeling tired or unwell take a break and rest. Relaxation should be prioritized and let yourself unwind. But ultimately, health should come first, so go ahead, skip an activity or two if that means you are going to feel better afterward!

Conclusion

Going overseas shouldn’t ruin your health. Taking care of your health and mind can be easy while you enjoy your trip by drinking plenty of water, practicing mindful eating, exercising and control stress. By putting wellness first, you’ll not only have a more enjoyable experience, you’ll also feel better on your journey. Next time you are going on an international adventure, take these easy health tips to heart, and start traveling with wellness at the top of the charts.