Whether for vacation, or the dreaded and not-so-dreaded family obligations, traveling can be taxing on your mental and physical health. As the holidays are approaching, follow these survival tips to a great trip.
Leave plenty of time. Air travel is not what it used to be; lines are long and the planes are packed. Give yourself 30 minutes more than is recommended. It may seem like overkill, but when faced with a security line that painfully snakes through barricades, instead of becoming anxious, you’ll start your trip calm and cool.
Take No-Jet-Lag or Jet Zone homeopathic remedies. These homeopathic trouble shooters include several remedies to help with the various aspects of jet lag. Homeopathic remedies are so diluted it is hard to trace any of the ingredients, thus making them generally safe to use.
Bring earplugs or noise cancelling headphones. Using these for the duration of the flight will muffle the incessant talker or unhappy baby next to you. Ideal for diffusing the jet engine’s roar that secretly grates away at your nervous system. Plus, perfect for noisy hotels and snoring rommates.
Use a neck pillow. I love the kind that blow up, so it’s adjustable. It often has a washable cover. It can keep you comfortable, help you sleep, and spare your neck unnecessary strain.
5. Hydrate. Although outrageously priced gate-side, Coco Water a terrific hydrator to
counteract dry plane air. It’s nature’s version of Gatorade; high in potassium and full of electrolytes.
6. Drink Emergen – C. A less expensive and convenient way to hydrate. These individually packaged, powdered vitamin pouches cover a lot of bases: Vitamin C and Zinc to help ward off colds, B Vitamins for stress, plus electrolytes and minerals. Add packet to water and watch it fizz. Kids version available.
7. Carry Lavender Essential Oil. Use to calm and soothe (you and those around you), ward off unpleasant odors, and to refresh at the end of the flight. Once at your destination, use for insomnia or stress.
8. Wear Layers. An especially good idea when making a dramatic shift in climates. Start with a T-shirt, then a light sweater or sweat shirt, followed by a jacket and an outer shell. Avoid wearing flip-flops and shorts to the airport, even if you are going to Hawaii from New York in December, it could be a blizzard when you return.
9. Bring Healthy Snacks and Watch What You Eat. I always bring snacks in case of delays. Pumpkin seeds, health bars, and baby carrots make great nibbles, nuts are high in protein and ward off blood sugar dips. Avoid the temptation to ‘let loose’, or to make a drastic change from your normal diet. Overeating or eating foods that you normally don’t eat can turn your health south quickly.
10. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine. These mixed with thin plane air make a bad combo. Stick to non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated, low sugar drinks, preferably water. If you are nervous flying, consider coming in for an acupuncture treatment right before your trip. Some patients report staying calm for a much more pleasant journey.
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