How to stay healthy before travel

Travel Tips To Get Healthy Before Your Trip
By Jocelyn Sidwell, HC, FNS, NASM CPT

Cleaning, packing, scheduling, stressing… it all goes into planning a trip.  How does a fun vacation cause stress before we even leave??? Here are my tips for keeping the body, mind and spirit well before you travel so you can have the most amazing adventure.  I use these lifestyle habits before I travel, and to get back on track when I return.

Focusing on less processed foods creates less stress on our immune system allowing our bodies to heal and not fight.  Excess salt and sugar along with added chemicals and preservatives puts our body in a  state of fight and sometimes shock.  Give your body proper nutrients and you will start to feel better and be ready to jump into vacation action!  Implement these practices 2 weeks before your trip and you will feel results!

Each cell, every tissue and organ in our body needs water.  For our bodies to properly function water is needed daily for restoring, proper digestion and temperature control.  Ever feel foggy mid day? Try drinking 16 ounces of water instead of reaching for another caffeine drink.  Make this a healthy habit and you will boost your immune system for sure!  Drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day.  When traveling, you will want to at least triple this.  I know it seems like a lot of water, but you will be happy you did this before your trip!

This doesn't mean run off and join the nearest gym, which would be great.  If you're not a gym goer, you can walk in the park, ride a bike, take your kids to play and make sure to bring the pets to chase around.  Any type of activity can increase your immune system.  Aim for at least 20 minutes of activity a day and this will not only boost your immunity but your wellbeing.  Try to implement the same plan on your vacation too for an added bonus.

Our bodies repair while we sleep.  All these healthy habits you are going to adapt won’t help unless you are resting properly.  I do believe there is no true amount each person needs; as a health coach everything I coach is based on the individual.  Whether it be a full 8 hours, or an average 6 hours, make sure to give your mind, body and spirit the proper time it needs to restore.

Self care is something I will always preach.  Taking at least 15 minutes a day to yourself to be quiet, reflect and be thankful is so empowering and restorative to the spirit and immune system.  I’m not going to get all hippie-dippie on you but having a positive mindset can cure a bad day and a weakened immune system.  Remember the count to 10 rule; it works!  With each breathe, repeat what you are thankful for.  You can repeat the exact same thing with each breathe.  The body, mind and spirit want to relieve stress, so help it!

These can be your daily lifestyle habits.  However, using them to get yourself ready for your next vacation will make all the difference in your immune system and being ready for all your upcoming adventures.  Eat clean, drink water, exercise and reduce your stress for the best possible vacation and immune system boost!
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