Maintain A Healthy Balance to Get the Most Out of Traveling!

By Contributing Author, Ainsley Lawrence

It’s no secret that traveling positively impacts your health, both physically and spiritually. And that’s great news for those who want to prioritize their health in a holistic/natural way. Whether you love to visit other places or traveling is part of your job requirements, travel can help you pursue and maintain a holistic lifestyle.

Holistic health involves the living balance of the whole person, as well as how you interact with the environment. Therefore, traveling as a means of maintaining your holistic health makes perfect sense. The health benefits of travel are myriad: According to The Chopra Center, traveling promotes heart health, enhances creativity, relieves stress, and boosts your mental health. And that’s just for starters.

Travel can also serve as a catalyst to jumpstart a new chapter of your life: Whether you’re newly married, embarking on an exciting new career path, or making fresh memories by moving to a new home, it’s natural to experience a bit of stress. Taking a few days off to travel before starting something new can help you balance your emotions and make peace with the part of your life you’re leaving behind.

Fortunately, it’s easy to stay safe and healthy while traveling. What’s more, you can tailor the journey by catering to your personal passions and promoting your own natural health campaign.

Staying in Balance No Matter Your Geographic Location

The first step to your holistic journey away from home is choosing the perfect destination. When traveling with whole-body wellness as the focal point, doing things that are good for you physically and that also makes you feel alive mentally is an integral component. For instance, if you thrive in exciting urban environments, consider visiting a city you’ve never been to before, whether it’s New York, Dubai, Paris, or elsewhere.

Conversely, if outdoor environments make you feel more at peace, you should perhaps rent a cabin in the countryside or visit a National Park. Regular exercise can help keep your hormones in balance, so staying active should be a cornerstone of your travel plan whether you’re visiting the countryside or big city. A travel-based exercise regimen can encompass everything from urban walking tours to yoga classes, horseback riding, or even skiing.

And you may not even need to travel far from home if an outdoor adventure is on your vacation agenda. For instance, a number of the best spots for year-round skiing are located in North America. The picturesque Rocky Mountains are home to some of the world’s premier ski resorts, including Aspen, Telluride, and Taos Ski Valley.

Eating Well While You Travel

No matter your ultimate travel destination, eating healthy foods is beneficial to your body and mind. Experiencing the food of other cultures can help expand your horizons and excite your palate, and you may even discover foods that end up a regular part of your everyday diet. And throughout the world, it’s not too difficult to stick to a whole food-based diet, which can help prevent illness and serious health conditions, including cancer.

Making positive dietary choices while traveling begins even before you set off. Conduct research on cafes and restaurants prior to your arrival (especially those recommended by locals), and consider carrying dried spices with you. For instance, spices including turmeric, garlic, and ginger may assist in digestion and are particularly useful if you’re traveling while pregnant and feeling less than great.

Finally, drink plenty of water during your visit to stay hydrated and energized.

Sometimes, traveling means that you’re forced to cut corners when pressed for time, such as when you have a short airport layover. That doesn’t mean that greasy fast food needs to be a part of your travel-based diet, however. To maintain your holistic health while traveling, you may want to follow the guidelines of a heart-healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, fish, and flaxseed.

Advanced Preparation is Key to Stress-free Travel

Researching food options is just one aspect of planning ahead to better maintain your holistic lifestyle away from home. Whatever your ultimate destination, it’s important to understand the visa and other travel requirements of a particular country or region.

Having a grasp on destination-specific travel regulations is especially helpful if you plan to travel with holistic health items. Depending on local laws, particular holistic items may be banned or discouraged, and leaving those items at home can save you the hassle and headache of dealing with airport security and/or customs agents.

For example, if you take CBD oil to help manage chronic pain, it’s in your best interest to find an alternative during your travels, especially if you’re flying. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits CBD on all flights.

As you can see, maintaining your holistic health while traveling is more than possible. By cultivating an awareness of local laws and food choices, as well as staying active, you will enjoy a rich travel experience that can keep you healthy in all aspects: Mind, body, and soul.