Healthy Holidays Travel Tips

It’s that time of the year – we are planning itineraries, packing and getting on the road. We are congregating at airports and driving long distances to celebrate holidays with family and friends. The combination of long hours of sitting in packed airplanes and cars, sudden climate and time zone changes, family stress, big heavy holiday meals laden with alcoholic drinks and lots of sugary treats can take a toll on our well-being. Here are some useful tips to help you stay healthy through holiday travel.

Get enough sleep. Resting up before your trip can go a long way toward boosting your immune system and strengthening your body's defenses. Long flights and card trips can mess with your sleep cycle, so take a bit of time out to rest and adjust when you arrive at your destination.

Stay active. Try to get some physical activity daily. Instead of lounging in front of the TV, invite your family or friends out for a walk after a big holiday meal. Throw the ball around outside with the kids, offer to walk the dog or to help clean up after a big meal. Take a few minutes to stretch during the quiet hours of the early morning.

Opt for simple healthy food whenever you have a chance, to balance out all the holiday treats.  Bring your own healthy snacks for the car or plane trip. Hydrate well and avoid too much alcohol and caffeine (they tend to dehydrate). Instead, enjoy holiday cheer in the forms of connection, conversation, song, laughter, generosity and kindness.

Road trips: Take frequent breaks from driving to stretch and move your body. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and do not give into road rage - remember, during the holidays many drivers are stressed out.

Airplanes: Take a look at this helpful “infographic” full of sensible advice to make flying easier on your body.

Get regular acupuncture treatments to keep yourself in balance. Acupuncture can relieve stress and anxiety, improve sleep, ease digestive overload and help boost your immunity. Get a pre-trip "tune-up" and another treatment when you get back. Community acupuncture is a great asset to a weary traveler, as the clinics are usually affordable and accessible. (Contact the clinic to check on their holiday hours.) For affordable acupuncture while travelling, check this list of low-cost community acupuncture clinics all over North America. Take a look at this post for more helpful Chinese Medicine tips on staying well during the cold and flu season.

Wishing you healthy and joyous holidays!