Healthy Travel
Even if you’re jetting to a sunny climate on your dream vacation, travel can be stressful. Any change in routine, scenery, eating habits, or time zones can take its toll on your well-being.
Here are some things you can do to minimize travel stress.
* Begin to prepare for your trip well in advance of your departure date. Make a list of things to do each day.
* Finish packing your bags at least one full day before you leave. Devote the rest of the day to quiet activities, such as reading, napping, taking a leisurely bath, or listening to soothing music.
* Allow plenty of time to reach your destination or catch your flight. It’s better to have time to spare than to rush.
* Once you reach your destination, don’t over-schedule every day with endless hours of shopping, sightseeing, sports, and partying. Allow for some “downtime.”
* Don’t overeat, especially at night.
* Get enough sleep. Otherwise, you’ll come home pooped instead of renewed and refreshed.
* Get some exercise.
* Schedule your return so you have a day or so to “decompress” before you return to work.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine