Travel Tips to Save You Stress

Taking a trip soon? Plan ahead to lower stress levels.

Travel can be stressful, especially if it’s part of your job and you do it on a regular basis. Jet lag, time away from family, unfamiliar places, job performance expectations and irregular sleeping and eating patterns can really take their toll on your nerves and health.

Add in some circumstances over which you have no control, like flight cancellations and delays, lost luggage, and last minute meeting or conference changes, and you have the makings of a massive meltdown.

So what can you do to stay calm, maintain your health naturally and deal appropriately with stressful circumstances as a frequent traveler? Consider these helpful health tips.

Health Tips for Frequent Flyers

1. Keep a bag packed with spare toiletries, wrinkle-free clothing and items that you would normally pack for every trip. With your “travel bag” always ready, you’re less likely to forget something, and you keep packing and re-packing time and effort to a minimum.
2. Place identification (including passport), camera, laptop and any valuables in your hand luggage. You’ll feel more secure when you know these items are always with you.
3. Make sure you get the proper amount of sleep – sleep helps the body to rest and rejuvenate for the next day’s activity. If you’re crossing time zones, this is especially important.
4. Make sure you take the time to eat well. Try some local cuisine. Ask business associates or hotel staff to recommend some good eateries for you to try. Refrain from overeating and drinking too much alcohol.
5. Make use of the exercise facilities available in many hotels as a way to ease stress that can result in headaches and other physical symptoms. Don’t forget to pack some gym clothes and shoes!
6. Pack an empty ziploc bag in your carry on and ask flight attendant for ice to use on your neck or low back if you are suffering from any pain or discomfort.
7. Pack a lacrosse ball or a tennis ball to use on tight sore muscles. You can place it behind you and press into it against the seat to provide you with some myofascial release.
8. If you feel unsettled try to do a series of mindful breaths. In through the nose for 3 seconds, hold for 5 seconds and release through your mouth.

Frequent travel can be stressful, but it can also provide a means to explore new people, places, cultures and foods. You might even get a bit of sightseeing in as well! Remember to come in for your chiropractic adjustments as often as possible as regular chiropractic care before and after can help you effectively deal with the stress of frequent travel.