Pre-Travel Preparation: Set the Stage for Success
When you prioritize staying healthy on the move during this holiday season, you can more easily transition back into your daily routine. While you’re always welcome at our Plymouth, MI, chiropractic clinic, REACH Rehab + Chiropractic believes holistic health starts at home. For example, you could pack this small “health bag” to prepare for your trip:
- Neck pillow for lumbar support
- Face mask and ear plugs for improved sleep
- Necessary medications and sanitizers
Below, our movement experts help you understand how to plan ahead for your trip and prioritize your health while you travel.
In-Transit Tips: Stay Comfortable and Active to Avoid Back Pain
Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or train, sitting for too long in one position leaves you vulnerable to back pain. To minimize these effects, practice proper posture – sit up straight, keep your head level, and avoid awkward sleeping positions.
Hydration is another key component of avoiding back pain. Water lubricates your joints and helps muscles stay elastic. Try these travel hydration tips:
- Bring a refillable water bottle. Don’t feel shy about asking the flight attendant to refill it.
- Treat yourself to in-flight beverages or stop regularly for drinks at a gas station.
- Avoid constantly moving air, which quickly dehydrates you.
Keep Moving: Creative Ways to Stay Active
One of the most important reasons for staying healthy on the move is to maintain regular activity during your vacation. Whether you’re staying with friends and family or booking a hotel room, travel workouts help minimize the stress on your body. Thankfully, portable fitness doesn’t have to feel complicated.
How can you find ways to move your body while you travel? Start with easy stretching routines to keep your body limber during layovers or at rest stops. For example:
- Loosen your hips by swinging your legs.
- Get your blood flowing with a runner’s stretch.
- Lie on your back, bring your knees to hip level, and gently twist (lying twist stretch).
- Keep your shoulders flexible by making arm circles.
Nutrition On the Go: Fuel Your Journey
Eating a balanced diet doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you’re traveling. If you want to avoid grabbing that processed or pre-packaged food, why not plan ahead with on-the-go meals? A healthy sandwich or salad in a disposable container can prevent you from flooding your body with chemicals that will only slow you down.
One way to facilitate healthy snacking might be making your own trail mix, complete with nuts, dried fruit, and whole grains. Plus, even when you have time to stop for proper meals, remember to prioritize protein and vegetables. You’re on vacation, so you can treat yourself occasionally, but if you allow sugar to lead to energy crashes, you might miss out on the fun.
Manage Stress: Mindfulness in Motion
Practicing mindfulness is one tip for staying healthy on the move that people overlook. Even if you’re looking forward to travel and holiday, it’s important to understand that these adventures come with increased stress. From navigating airport security to dealing with rude family members, stress manifests physically without an outlet.
Mindfulness is a simple form of meditation you can perform anywhere for a peaceful state of mind. Listening to calming music or a guided meditation on your phone is one option. However, the most basic mindfulness involves silence.
Mindfulness meditation could be taking slow, deep breaths. Focus on the movement of your chest and stomach as you breathe. You not only increase oxygenation, but you also break negative thought patterns.
Post-Travel Recovery With Our Plymouth, MI, Chiropractic Clinic: Easing Back into Routine
Once you’re back at home, how can you reintegrate smoothly? Whether you need help treating some residual back pain or need a new exercise routine, we can help.
Before your scheduled appointment at our Plymouth, MI, chiropractic clinic, spend some time stretching and then go for a short walk. It may take you a few days to overcome fatigue or discomfort after traveling. Be patient with your body.
For personalized tips on staying healthy on the move or a chiropractic appointment, call REACH Rehab + Chiropractic at (734) 335-0212.
