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The thrill of travel is harnessed by the possibilities to visit new places, new cultures and new food. But it doesn't always rub off in the most positive ways, and the challenges it can cause to your mental and physical health might be enough to stop you in your tracks. Stress, fatigue and even illness can be caused by long flights, new environments, but changing your routine. So that’s where mindful travel comes in. Movement can be enriching, stress free, and healthy to the body and mind, if we stay mindful on the go.
The Power Of Mindful Travel
Mindful travel means being aware of where you are, focusing where you point, and doing things that stimulate and nourish both your mind and your body. Saying that your health is something you can put off while traveling the world isn’t saying it’s inconsequential. It’s a priority that adds to a rounder, richer travels experience. While traveling, I always make time to watch my gf enjoy the local sights, as it's a great way to stay present and appreciate the experience together.
Here are some great ways to practice mindfulness on your travels, while staying mentally and physically healthy.
Prioritize Sleep
Traveling across time zones or adjusting to different environments can disrupt your sleep patterns. Sleep gets the blues caused by lack of sleep affects your mood as well as your physical health. Rest is priority to fight jet lag and poor sleep quality.
Serve earplugs, eye mask and a pillow or something extra comfy.
The key to regulating your circadian rhythm is to make every effort to get on a consistent sleep schedule.
Before bed practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help your body prepare for restful sleep.
Instead, you can do two things which will help you combat the fatigue and give you high energy levels: first, be aware of your sleep needs, so you can feel rejuvenated and ready for your adventures.
Stay Active
When traveling, it goes by easy to fall into a sedentary pattern, whether that’s sat in planes, trains, and buses for long periods. But physical activity is essential to keep your energy, sense of direction, and general well being.
If you’re on long flight or a long car ride, take frequent breaks to stretch and walk around. Tension can be alleviated and muscle stiffness avoided by simple stretches or short walks.
Add daily exercise into your travel routine. Whether it’s morning, noon, or night, if you stay active with a morning jog, yoga session, or take a walk around the city by foot or bike you’re going to be energized and stressed out.
You can use your environment as your gym. Scenic hiking trails, outdoor yoga spots, or beaches great for cooling off in — many destinations have all that and more!
If you’re present in the moment and remain aware when you activity, you can experience the physical benefits of exercise without taking away from your awareness for it.
Eat Mindfully
The best thing about traveling is trying new foods. But it can be all too easy to overload with the rich and unfamiliar. Nourish your body without overshooting it with mindful eating.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you when it comes to hunger and how to eat them. It makes it easier to eat and prevents the body from consuming too many calories.
Put a focus on balanced meals of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. There are so many destinations that serve delicious, healthy options take advantage of fresh, local produce.
If you are going to warm climates or traveling by plane, you should drink enough of water so that you don’t become dehydrated.
With mindful eating, you get to taste the qualities of your destination’s cuisine without damaging your health.
Practice Mental Wellness
Hopefully, traveling doesn’t always make you feel overwhelmed or anxious. Whether it’s wandering around a new city, getting delayed, or someone being away from home, mental health is critical to a good travel experience.
When you feel stressed, practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises to gain a sense of focus. A few minutes of sitting still, focusing on your breathing, can soothe your nervous system and assimilate your thoughts.
Keep in touch with lovely ones to stay comfy and grounded. Use video calls, text, or perhaps sharing your experience on social media to ease the loneliness and homesickness.
Embrace a positive mindset. The journey is part of the travel. Spend time appreciating the small moments and really going through the process instead of worrying about what you have to get done.
Traveling with mindfulness is not only a great practice for those new to it but will also help you if you are unaccustomed to it to manage stress and remain mentally balanced so you can fully experience it.
Stay Organized
One of the basics of mindful travel is to stay organized. The more prepared you are, the less stressful it will be. Set up a travel plan with time to sight see and time out. Be sure you have your passport, health insurance, medications and a first aid kit to hand.
What’s more important: maintaining order over amenities and travel arrangements to make you feel less rushed and more at ease. Without feeling frantic you can remain present and celebrate in all the tiny treasures of your trip.
Final Thoughts
In other words, mindful travel is the practice of taking care of yourself mentally and physically, in order to acquire new experiences and experience new approaches that we wouldn’t experience otherwise. However, if you stay aware of what your body requires for healthy sleep, exercise, food, and relaxation no matter where your travels take you, you’ll always be at your best. If you are mindful about your travels, you’ll find that it makes the journey enjoyable but it also contributes to your health making you feel always balanced and harmony on the go. If you remember the mental and physical health when you pack your bags, next time you go on a vacation, it will be more enjoyable.
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