Who doesn’t love traveling? In times when travel is inevitable for business or when scheduled family trips are on the way, it is important that we have a checklist to cover all bases for safety, convenience, and stress-free as well as virus-free travel.
We’ve come up with a shortlist for more secure and hassle-free travel because ultimately we all want great travel stories :-).
BEFORE THE FLIGHT
Prior to leaving, we need to set ourselves up for success and the following travel health tips are advantageous:
Get plenty of sleep. Don’t stress much or get excited about the travels, remember to have enough rest and sleep days before your travel date.
Hydration is key. Bear in mind that hydrating yourself on a daily basis work wonders for your body not only when you travel. We do not want to be dehydrated because it often makes you feel tired and your immune system goes down.
Vitamins and Supplements. Get your daily dose of Vitamin C (1000mg is most recommended by doctors) even when you’re not traveling. Studies have shown that vitamin C is not the cure for colds — but taking it regularly will definitely boost your immune system. Remember, every second count! We don’t want to be sick during our travels. Bonus tip: add some probiotics to your daily supplement to help stop instances of travelers’ diarrhea and improve your overall immune system.
Moisturize. Skin gets a little agitated when we’re up in the air, so better be prepared to moisturize in advance to beat the chances of dryness while flying.
Bring Healthy Snacks. Prepare your own food, or bring packed mixed nuts and fruits. Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, are good in-flight food and more importantly bringing our own snacks on flight prevent us from making unhealthy food choices at the airport, it saves money, and gives us something to look forward to for your flight.
DURING THE FLIGHT
Health is wealth, so while traveling here are some useful natural health tips:
Drink up. And we mean plenty of water before, during, or after flying. While hydrating on air, you can also have some zinc supplements (helps boost the immune system) if you feel you start coming down with cold or flu. Stay hydrated and drink at least 8 glasses of water especially for long haul flights. Drinking alcohol depletes your body of B-vitamins, so if it can be avoided then do so :-).
Sanitize and be safe. Do not forget to bring in your little travel kit which has a hand sanitizer or pocket alcohol, disinfectant wipes and tissue. It’s safe to wipe surfaces during flights, then you should also try to wash your hands frequently. Please avoid touching your face too much, and wear a mask if needed. If you are prone to sinus infections or sore throats, nasal saline or a Kamillosan Spray (herbal sore throat remedy) can be one of your best travel buddies.
Exercise. A lack of movement, while onboard a plane can be extremely costly to your health and sitting for a very long time in one position, can lead to blood clots, even for healthy people. So if you exercise regularly, then there’s no harm in continue doing so while on the flight. Of course, little movement counts (mini exercises, foot twirls, walking in the aisle, head exercises, etc.) make it a habit.
Sleep. Remember to sleep, or take a nap while on board. Some travelers would choose a window seat, wear noise-canceling earphones and invest in a u- shape neck pillow to make them comfortable taking their well-needed rest while onboard a plane.
AFTER THE FLIGHT
Studies also say that after travel, some travelers return home getting sick, some would have colds or flu, sometimes even skin problems. How to avoid being sick then?
Supplements. Boost your immunity by continuing to take vitamin C daily at least 1000mg for adults. Other herbal vitamins such as magnesium supplements and eating bananas for a natural source of potassium can help rebuild our body’s electrolyte balance. For colds, zinc supplements would also work preventing it from happening.
Avoid stress. The more relaxed your body and mind are, the more likely you can stay healthy. Don’t stress out about catching up at work. It actually increases the likelihood you come down with a cold. Consider relaxation techniques, such as a daily meditation practice.
Plenty of Sleep. Just make time and keep on getting enough good quality sleep. Make your downtime worth it by getting sleep when your body calls for it. Personally, green tea and chamomile tea before bed helps :-).
At the end of the day, we cannot let travel sickness derail our trip or our love of travel. Always, always remember to Sanitize, Eat, Hydrate, Sleep, and take Vitamins when traveling or even when you’re staying put at work or at home. This will let you focus more on the travel experience than worry about your health while traveling. Do all these even when you're not traveling and this can easily become a habit.
Happy safe travels everyone!
* This article was originally published at tripmoba.com
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