Meet Your Body’s Needs When Traveling
Traveling can be one of life’s most exciting experiences. Seeing another culture, country, or even just a
neighboring town gives us memories that last a lifetime. Traveling too can be very stressful. Between long care rides, airports, checking in and out of hotels stress can add up quickly. It is important to not forget to take care of our selves while traveling
The fallowing is a simple list put together to make sure you don’t lose sight of addressing your body’s needs.
Stretching. Sitting for long periods of time is never good for our health. If you’re traveling by plane, get up and walk the aisles. You may even find a small area that you’re able to stretch out in. If you’re in the car, remember to stop every couple of hours to get out and stretch. Try some of these stretches and moves to reverse the ill effects of long term sitting.
Hydration. I’m starting to feel like a broken record in all my blog posts about the importance of drinking water! Drinking water regularly is one of the easiest ways to make sure your body gets the hydration it needs to work properly.
Lifting heavy suitcases. When you’re loading up the car or bringing your bag to the airport, be sure to lift with the strength of your legs, not your back. It is important to heaviest part of the suitcase as close to your body as possible. Also lift directly up as apposed to bending and twisting while lifting. This can cause torque in your spine that is especially detrimental to your spinal disc.
Support your neck. There are countless options for supportive travel pillows. Find one that works for you to make sure your neck is in its optimal position. Optimal position is a neutral position your head should not be flexed forward nor tilted in either direction while you are trying to support your neck.
Support your back. A small towel or article of clothing can be rolled up and placed behind you at your lower back to give it the support your seat may not have. Remember your lower back should have an arc in it when it being properly supported. This natural alignment should take pressure off the spine.
Sleeping. When sleeping in a different bed it can be difficult to find a comfortable position, remember to sleep on either your back or your side, not your stomach. Take a tip from our furry friends a good stretch after you sleep can also make a difference in the way you feel.
Exercises. You might find that rolling your shoulders or ankles makes your blood circulate to areas that feel cramped from traveling.
Your body was meant to move so meet its needs while you’re away and at home!