TIRED OF GETTING SICK WHEN YOU TRAVEL? MY TOP 10 TIPS TO STAYING HEALTHY!

TIRED OF GETTING SICK WHEN YOU TRAVEL? MY TOP 10 TIPS TO STAYING HEALTHY!

You know what I’m talking about, right? Every vacation or every business trip, when you get home you don’t feel so hot. You are fatigued, dehydrated, starting to get that feeling like you are getting sick….. Am I close? You get those cold like symptoms and it happens after every trip. Flying can fatigue you on a regular basis, so keeping your immune system strong is key to staying healthy.

So, why would I be the expert on this? I have a  few autoimmune issues, fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism. I also have degenerative disc disease and arthritis in my spine. An expert, not sure about that, but I used to get sick all the time. Now I have been traveling for over 5 years, at least 3 times a year, flying and driving and I have yet to get sick when I come home by sticking to the following 10 tips.  You may already do a few of these and that’s great! So add in a few more and do that BEFORE you travel, to make it a daily lifestyle habit.

Here are my favorite Top Ten Tips to staying healthy before, during and after traveling. (Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links)

1. WATER. We all know we need to drink it, so no surprise there. When we travel, we tend to drink less because we are rushing around and not focused on our hydration. Drinking at least half your body weight each day will keep you hydrated and will help avoid headaches. Also avoid caffeine! If you can’t, be sure to up that water!! Dress it up with fruit to make it more exotic!
2. SLEEP. Again, we know this, right? Try to get as much sleep before you leave for your trip, get on a schedule, go to bed at the same time, wake at the same time. While on your trip, you may need to adjust due to time zones and activities. Make sure you get as much sleep as you can each night. That will keep you focused and keep your energy level at a good place.
3. EXERCISE. This can be as simple as walking, or stretching with yoga. Keeps your joints flexible (those plane seats DO NOT have a ton of leg space!) If you have a long flight, be sure to get up once or twice to keep your muscles moving.
4. SUPPLEMENTS. Yes, I use supplements, everyday for the past 5 years. Having inflammation and vitamin deficiency issues, supplementation is crucial to keep me healthy. For example, Vitamin D is a hormone that I need to supplement. The only other way is to sit in the sun for 15 minutes a day, but we don’t have much sun here and I burn easily. The supplements I take are Isotonix and absorb 90% more than capsules or pills. So I create a morning cocktail with my vitamins like a multi, calcium, vitamin b complex and an antioxidant called opc 3.  I started this new daily habit in 2012 and it helps to remove daily toxins from my body that happen from the air, chemicals around us and even our food. Starting a few weeks before you travel and continuing on your trip and after, will keep your immune system very happy. The come in packets to make packing easier.
5. MEDITATION. We can become anxious while traveling and that can affect our immune system. Deep breathing and praying can help keep you calm. You can do this anywhere at anytime. Especially on the plane when people are just being too much.
6. ESSENTIAL OILS. My daughter and quite a few friends have recently shared the importance of essential oils.  Certain scents can calm you, boost your mood and energy. I like to use the roll on bottles that are mixed with olive oil. My daughter even created one for me called Breathe. I found a really cool site called Jade Bloom that offers deals on getting free oils.
7. SMILE. Sounds simple. Smiling at people even when they aren’t smiling or talking to you at your hotel, the airport, your conference, or even in the elevator. That smile will boost your mood, spread that positivity and help you heart. Your Smile may be the only one someone sees today.
8. MANAGE YOUR TIME. Don’t over do it. You will want to do everything you can on your trip, your vacation, but taking time for yourself, even for a few minutes each day can energize you to accomplish what you want. Do you need to say no to a late night out? Ask someone to watch the kids for you so you can take a nice hot bath to relax. It will be worth it.
9. EAT BREAKFAST! Seriously! You have to get something in your stomach in the morning. I take my supplements and then eat breakfast. Your body is like a car and the fuel tank is empty every morning. How far do you think you can go on an empty tank. Skipping breakfast or not adding in protein or fiber is a menu for disaster. Your metabolism will be thrown off and can cause your immune system to weaken. You can travel with protein shakes that can be mixed with water or milk. Add some fruit and you are good to go! Choose a healthy breakfast to give you energy and keep you well as you travel.
10. WASH YOUR HANDS. I mean, wash your hands A LOT! Carry hand wipes with you and hand sanitizer. We touch all kinds of surfaces when we travel that we would not normally touch. Be aware of what you are touching and make sure to not touch your face, eyes, or mouth.

I also wanted to share as a bonus what I like to use to keep track of my sleep, blood pressure, heart rate, steps and more with my HELO. It works like other bands but has so much more capability with new apps coming soon.  You can find more info HERE.

I hope these tips will help you on your next trip. When you arrive home, and you are feeling great, no stuffy, runny nose, no headaches, no sneezing or aches and pains, you will feel on top of the world! I know I did the first time!

Here are a few pics of me traveling. I love traveling, flying, road trips, hanging with friends. It always energizes me!

I would love to hear from you! Please comment below on your favorite tip.

Be sure to follow me on all social media, including Periscope, InstaGram, FB, Pinterest and Twitter @coachmo411. You can also find me on YouTube at youtube.com/c/coachmo

The following video is a fun shot I caught in Miami in Feb. 2017. What a blast! I had never seen a manatee before!

 

Photos and videos are property of Coach Mo and may not be used or reproduced.