Health Priorities & Travel

Travel is one of the most beneficial activities for your mind, body, and spirit. Though, a long plane ride, or even multiple plane rides in one day, or climbing into a car for several hours in a row can be extremely taxing on the body. Therefore, we must all make sure to prepare our bodies prior to any vacation or business trip.

We are all guilty of overlooking how nervous tension can negatively affect our bodies. Pre-planning, organizing, and packing for a trip can create more stress than we all think. So, we need to allow ourselves more time to prepare which will help ensure that we actually enjoy the trips we take, no matter the reason.

Below are several things we all can do prior to traveling to guarantee we are prepared physically for the long journey we put our minds and bodies through.

Consuming the right amount of water is crucial for proper health function, particularly before traveling.

Remaining hydrated at a healthy level means drinking half your body weight in ounces daily, and not all at once but throughout each day. Doing so will help your immune system perform as it should without placing any strain on your health. Every organ and system in the body needs water to operate correctly, and especially our immune system. When thinking of the barriers that protect areas inside our bodies, like ears, the nose, and our throats, water is critical to their purpose.

Flying is especially dehydrating, so remember to drink water throughout each plane ride. Also, try to avoid caffeinated drinks, like coffee, and alcohol, as both cause dehydration.

Do you use any supplements to boost your immune system prior to traveling? Enhancing your immune system before a day of travel will help guarantee it is in the best shape.

We should all take supplements beginning five days before traveling to help boost our immune systems. Though it is important to continue doing so throughout your time on the road. Particularly, increase your vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics intake.

Preparing for a memorable vacation or business trip should also include being rested before you depart. Rest, relaxation, and sleep can be placed on the back burner leading up to travel, whether it be from finalizing work projects, meeting a deadline, or even the planning stress or excitement of a trip. Our bodies perform their most valuable work while sleeping, strengthening our immune system. As we all know, when traveling we are at risk of exposure to viruses, bacteria, and illness. How many of us have gotten sick at conferences, even obtained the coronavirus while at a trade show? Consequently, it is necessary that you get your eight hours of sleep each evening for your immune system to perform optimally for your trip.

Likely you are going to get your steps in each day and even carry some heavy bags or set up a booth display. So, it is recommended that you maintain and get in several workouts leading up to traveling. Especially a training session just before you depart to help reduce any stress you may be feeling.

Doing so can also help relieve any nervous feelings you may have about traveling due to traffic, long lines, delayed flight times, or even catching a cab or Uber. Some colleagues go one step further by visiting a doctor for an IV drip loaded with vitamins. Have you ever done this after a long vacation or night of drinking? An IV drip helps you hydrate and packs your system with amino acids, peptides, vitamins, and electrolytes.

Lastly, lean forward into planning your vacation or business trip. Finding joy in what you are about to experience will lower your stress level and leave you feeling positive for what is to come.

Enjoy the ride and should you pick up on any new healthy behaviors while prepping for a trip, keep them going while on a business trip or vacation, and afterwards, as they could benefit you for years to come. Before a trip or after, being mindful of your body and immune system on a regular basis will provide continual health.