5 Travel Tips To Healthy & Energized This Summer

As summer kicks into gear, we all look forward to a summer vacation.  Taking time away from our everyday routines can be a very enriching and rejuvenating experience.  However, many people also dread travel – can’t sleep in hotel beds, no home cooked meals.  In addition, they’re worried about ruining all their efforts toward a healthy lifestyle during travel.

            As per Ayurveda, the Vata dosha (or air energy which governs all movement in the body and mind) can easily become disturbed and get out of balance due to traveling. This can lead to indigestion, irregular bowel movement, anxiety and difficulty in sleeping.

            Wherever you are traveling, practice these few Ayurvedic tips to enjoy a smooth healthy and energized journey.

Stay Hydrated and Detoxed

            Dehydration from heat, long plane flights, alcohol or caffeine can play a huge havoc on the digestive tract. During flights, choose water over dehydrating caffeinated beverages or soft drinks.  Drink at least six 8-ounce cups of water per day. Drinking ginger tea can keep you feeling grounded and healthy.

Keep Regular Bowl Movements

            For some people the stress of tight flight connections, dehydration, unhealthy meals and irregular routines sets the stage for constipation. Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal remedy that helps regulate the bowels. Taking triphala during travel and for a couple of days after you arrive is a great way to avoid occasional constipation.

Reduce Jet Lag

            The sun’s energy is a natural way to reset the body’s clock. Try spending at least 20 minutes outdoors once you’ve reached your destination. Adopt the local time immediately.  Maintain regular meal and sleep times wherever you land. Stick to a routine throughout your vacation.

Eat Like a Local

            According to Ayurveda, eating locally grown and seasonal foods builds our immunity and delivers greater prana, or life force energy.  When visiting new places, check out the local market for seasonal and local delicacies.  This gives a terrific opportunity to try something new, and a chance to speak with the locals.

Stay Calm and Grounded

            Reduce sensory stimulation in the plane. Turn off the TV, shut down your computer, put in earplugs, and take a quiet nap. Focus on your breath and quiet your mind during take-off and landing to reduce anxiety and keep a sense of calm.  Take long, slow and deep abdominal breaths.

            Best of wishes to you, and safe travels.