Keep Those Resolutions – Be Healthier When Traveling
Let’s face it. Traveling is part of our world. Yet, the healthy routines we have established at home do not have to come to a halt when we’re on the road.
CWT Solutions, a travel management platform, recently polled over 2,700 frequent international business travelers. The study found only 7 percent do not maintain their health and wellness routines while traveling. Roughly 28 percent thought they eat healthier when traveling and 26 percent worked out when they travel.
Niklas Andreen, a CWT chief travel experience officer said, “Maintaining healthy habits while traveling is nearing the top of the priority list for travelers around the world.”
Trinity Creek Consulting shares some quick suggestions to make your time on the road healthier for you:
Get Your Sleep
According to lifestyle blogger, Diane Nassy, “Sleep is essential to our health and well-being.” To help you sleep better, Nassy suggests packing a travel pillow, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. “Research has revealed that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as the common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. So, getting proper sleep is very important before and during your travels.”
Health Lodging Options
Many hotels feature fitness centers or swimming and lap pools. When considering lodging options, look for properties that offer yoga, a group fitness class or even in-room Peloton bikes. A recent CWT’s business travel survey found roughly 49 percent of business travelers take advantage of the hotel’s fitness areas and 40 percent use swimming pools. Nutritionist specialist, Elizabeth Rider, suggests renting a condo or apartment, which all have kitchens. “Preparing a few of your own meals in a kitchen, especially breakfast, will help you stay on track.”
Stretch – Keep Your Move On
When traveling, sitting in the same position for hours can stiffens joints and muscles, which could result in aches and pains. The UT Health Austin, a health-care practice administered by the University of Texas at Austin, suggests moving about and stretch as it increases the blood flow. While waiting in line or sitting, consider doing leg, back twists, neck and shoulder rolls.
Think Before You Eat
Don’t leave your diet as you exit your front door. Plan your meals when you’re traveling. Shivani Vora, a travel writer, encourages us to pack snacks. “Since healthy food can be scarce and expensive when you’re away from home, it’s a good idea to pack your own.” Vora reminds us, “Health snacks will tide you over in a pinch and can prevent you from needing that pastry at the airport.”
Nutritionist, Elizabeth Rider, suggests researching restaurant menus so you know where to go for a healthy meal. Rider also proposes, “Find the nearest market or grocery store to grab some fruit or fresh food.” Rider recommends, “Dining out is a wonderful part of the travel experience, but try to have one meal a day from the grocery store. Think whole/real foods like fruits, veggies, nuts and salads.”
Stay Hydrated – Drink Lots of Water
“Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue and loads of other issues. It can also cause hunger, so bottoms up!” says Rider. She advises purchasing bottle water each day when you travel.
Travel writer, Vora, also stresses the importance of consuming water. “This simple tip helps with everything from dehydration to constipation to overcoming jet lag.” Vora adds, “Since you’re likely to get busier as the day goes on and may forget to drink, try starting your day by drinking 16 ounces.”
In the new year, try to practice the same healthy habits on the road as you would at home. Be sure to get your zzz’s, exercise, dine smart and stay hydrated. These tips can help you, and many others, be healthier when traveling.