It’s that time of the year again: the holiday traveling begins! The time spent visiting, flying, and celebrating can be hard on the body and soul. We’re happily – and foolishly – pulled out of our normal routine. We find ourselves choosing convenience over quality – airport fast food now takes the place of a balanced meal; we’re drinking holiday beverages instead of water. It’s rough for our bodies to suddenly adapt without the proper nutrition that fuels our immune system. Having said that, how can we enjoy the holiday festivities without feeling the side effects after a celebratory time?
Stay hydrated. It seems rather simple, but we often forget to keep drinking an adequate amount of water when we’re traveling. Be sure to keep a bottle of water nearby at all times, especially if traveling to higher elevations. Tea can be a suitable alternative that provides many benefits to boost our health.
Rest. If crossing continents, or even time zones, then we’re bound to feel the jet-lag once we reach our destination. We shouldn’t feel guilty for needing some time to relax and unwind. Get a restful night of sleep and begin the celebrations the following morning.
Eat healthy. Easier said than done. The homemade chocolate chip cookies, the ice cream, the pizza, the creamy pasta… (great, now we’re getting hungry). You get the point; the temptations are limitless when we’re away from our kitchen, where the groceries are purposefully selected by us. Don’t be afraid to indulge a bit, but remember that what we put into our body will affect how we feel the next day – choose wisely.
Stay active. Don’t let those previous hard-earned hours at the gym or on the trail go to waste just because you’re away. Put aside any amount of time you can, to go for a walk, a bike ride, or a run. Not only does it provide us the benefits of exercising, but also time to ourselves. A clear mind and an energized body can go a long way in fighting off any potential threat to our immune system.
Enjoy the moment. There’s no explanation needed for this one. Relish in the opportunity of being surrounded with love and happiness! That’s truly what the holidays are all about.