Along with leaving our responsibilities and our homes we tend to also leave our healthy eating habits and exercise when travelling. This is totally normal and you’re not the only one choosing to have come ice cream over a kale salad! Just because you’re not home it’s very easy to choose the easy and quick takeaway options when abroad but it’s important to maintain a healthy routine when you’re travelling as it may have a massive negative effect on your body.
There’s no magic to keeping healthy whilst travelling somewhere new, it’s just a case of preparation, application and medication (if you become terribly ill). Travelling is medicine for the soul but ask any avid traveller it’s not always that glamorous. Many travelling adventures come with their fair share of bumps, bruises, fatigue and stress. We’ve put together a short list of things that can help you stay healthy while you enjoy your travels!
1.Drink clean water
Staying hydrated is key whether you’re travelling or not, but if you know you’ll be doing a few more activities then keep those energy levels up by drinking plenty. Staying hydrated sounds simple but if you’re not constantly drinking when it’s hot and you’re sweating your health could take a turn for the worse. Drinking clean water is important so if you’re worried about the local water quality then you can boil the water as this is an effective way to ensure its safe. Even if you’re using a water purifier or water purification tablets make sure you drink from the cleanest source possible.
2. Retain regular eating patterns
Aiming to keep some consistency with your normal eating patterns is very important whilst travelling. The food that you may be eating may be different abroad but try to keep the plate rule in mind. Fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with protein and a quarter with complex carbs to keep your diet balanced. Again don’t eat too heavy for dinner, rather fuel up and have a big breakfast so you feel energised to go out exploring the rest of the day.
3. Reduce processed foods
Holiday are all about good times, good laughs and most importantly good foods! But where possible try not to eat processed foods such as biscuits, lollies and junk. On a normal occasion at home you probably tend to keep these foods to a minimum but when on holiday most of us are more relaxed with our food choices. Eating too much processed foods will lower your energy levels and eave you feeling drained.
4. Time for a digital detox
Your mental health is as important as your physical health! The quickest way to give your mind and soul a little boost is to have digital detox, leave your phone and just soak in the atmosphere and live in the moment. Ask any traveller who has been to a less developed country they’ll tell you that some of the happiest people in the world are those with a lot fewer possessions.
5. Walk, walk walk!
If you’re travelling for short term you’re probably not going to sign up to the local gym but it’s still important for you to get some type of daily exercise routine in. Try and walk as much as you can, it’s a no brainier but walking is the easiest way to keep your metabolism moving and keeps you in a good state of mind. Do your research find a safe and good walking path and take some time out to go for a stroll.
6. Sleep!
Getting a good amount of hours of sleep is very important whilst travelling. You need to recharge your mind, body and soul so make sure you don’t mess your sleeping pattern too much and get some much needed rest.
7. Treat yourself
Part of taking good care of your health is enjoying your own me time so relax and live a little. Don’t be afraid to be a little selfish and reward yourself with a well-earned treat whatever it may be.
8. Kill the germs
No matter where you are in the world you will stay much healthier by keeping clean so wash your hand, wash your clothes and avoid dodgy food situations. Keep a small bottle of hand cleanser in your pocket as this is hugely effective in preventing the spread of bacteria. It can be used before or after meals and after a journey on a packed public transport transit.
9. Travel Insurance
Yes it may be costly but you must protect yourself in case of emergency. The last thing you want is to be stuck and majorly ill in a foreign country without access to affordable and reliable healthcare.
10. Take your vitamins
Keep your immune system strong and your energy levels up by consistently taking your vitamins every day.