Pre-Travel Tips For Staying Energized On Your Trip
Traveling can be an enlightening and invigorating experience. It often comes with exhaustion due to physical and mental stressors, however, such as jet lag, an unfamiliar environment, poor nutrition and dehydration. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tips to help you prepare to stay energized before, during, and after travel.
Why We Feel Tired While Traveling
There are several reasons why travel can be exhausting. Dehydration is a big one. It’s easy to become dehydrated due to both the dry cabin air in planes and the fact that water is not always as readily available as it is at home. Time zone changes are another reason for fatigue. When traveling over one or more time zones, your body’s circadian rhythm (internal clock) is disrupted, throwing off your sleep cycle. And, of course, the stress of being in a new environment can be a big and unexpected source of anxiety. Although exploring a new destination is an exciting experience, you have to learn transit systems and be on your toes at all times to make your way smoothly through new terrains. This can lead to increased that, in turn, causes physical and mental fatigue.
How to Stay Energized on Your Trip
There are things you can do to prevent travel exhaustion even before you head to the airport, as well as while you’re traveling.
Don’t Forget the Important Carry-On Items
When packing your luggage, be aware of the important items you will need during your flight to keep you energized. For instance, pack a couple of large sealed bottles of water to counteract dehydration caused by dry cabin air. In addition, throw in a couple of bottles of essential oils, such as rosemary, lavender, orange or peppermint. You can apply these to your wrists to calm your nerves and keep your mind alert.
Sleeping on the Plane
Depending on the length of your flight and whether or not you’re crossing time zones, you may have decided to sleep on the plane. If that’s the case, invest in some sleep-promoting items and pack them in your carry-on bag. Throw in a neck travel pillow, for example, along with an eye mask and a small blanket. In many cases, it’s best to avoid sleep aids (medications such as melatonin), however, as they might cause you to be groggy when you arrive at your destination.
Other ways to keep your energy up during your trip is to seek out restaurants with healthy food options as well as to pack enough healthy snacks to hold you over for a couple of days after you arrive. In addition, avoid taking a nap right when you arrive at your destination so you’re able to sleep at bedtime.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
You don’t have to rule out these substances for your whole trip, but it’s important to avoid them the day before travel as well as in the airport and on your flight. Both caffeinated and alcoholic beverages will only worsen the effects of dehydration. It’s also a good idea to avoid them the first day of your arrival in order to allow your body to recover from any other effects of jet lag.
Follow these few simple rules for travel, and you’ll avoid as much exhaustion and stress as possible. Spend your time enjoying yourself, not looking for a comfortable bed for a quick nap.
