Traveling Well This Holiday Season

The holidays can be stressful enough on the body, and adding travel into the mix can create even more strain—sometimes pushing the body over the edge. Here are some holistic health tips to help you stay healthy, comfortable, and pain-free during travel and the hustle and bustle of the season.

Fuel your body with the good stuff.
Drink plenty of water, add electrolytes as needed, take a multivitamin, and increase vitamin C. My favorite multivitamin is Gud through Supreme Nutrition, and as I’ve shared before, the best form of vitamin C comes from a whole-food source—Camu by Supreme Nutrition as well. Traveling can be both dehydrating and depleting, so hydration is especially important. Think about being cramped in a plane or car for hours on end—hydration is key.

Prepare your body and spine before you leave.
Take a short walk before sitting for long periods; this helps lubricate joints and prevent stiffness. A warm shower with light stretching beforehand can also be helpful. In an ideal world, getting a chiropractic adjustment before traveling can ensure your body is moving optimally before the journey begins.

Use the 30–30 rule.
Every 30 minutes, change your position for at least 30 seconds. If possible, stand up and stretch your arms overhead. Since many people will be driving long distances or sitting for extended periods in airports or planes, consciously rolling your shoulders back, gently moving your neck through its natural range of motion, and adjusting your posture can help keep muscles from tightening up.

Practice proper luggage-lifting techniques.
Bend your knees—not your back. Avoid twisting, keep bags close to your body, and choose rolling luggage instead of heavy duffel bags whenever possible.

Protect and support your low back and neck.
Use lumbar support in the car or plane seat. You can purchase a lumbar support pillow online, or in a pinch, roll up a coat or use a small travel cushion and place it behind your lower back to prevent slouching. For your neck, travel neck pillows work wonders, and a rolled-up coat placed behind the neck can also help keep your head upright. The key is to prevent your head from dropping forward, which can strain the nerves, ligaments, and muscles of the neck.

We hope you thoroughly enjoy the holidays and wish you safe, comfortable travels!