Self-care refers to any activity undertaken to improve mental, emotional, and physical health. Unfamiliar places can make us feel like we’re not in control. It’s difficult to enjoy if you’re feeling anxious. Whether you’re traveling to the next town or another country, self-care can improve the quality of your journey tremendously. It may include indulging yourself in the local cuisine or spending a few extra bucks for tickets. However, travel self-care is more than that.
The whole act of traveling is a form of self-care on its own. Yet, there are some things you can keep in mind for practicing self-care while traveling. Without further ado, let’s discuss some tips you can follow to achieve that.
Reduce Screen Time
You can always use your phone later, but it’s essential to live in the moment. Ditching your phone is also a form of self-care. We consume a lot of information online. Sometimes that can be stressful. Cut your screen time when you’re on a trip; there are better things to give your attention to. Turn off your internet, and live in the moment. There will be time to use social media later. However, there won’t be another sunset like the one you’ll see during your trips.
Pack Intentionally
If you want to relax while traveling, pack yourself a self-care kit. You shouldn’t break your daily personal care routine. Include your sleep mask, moisturizer, prescribed medications, face mask, lip balm, or anything that you think would make the travel bearable. While packing, you should also include the necessary supplements and sanitary products. You can always make a list before you start packing. Don’t forget to keep an extra pair of masks and sanitizers.
The pandemic has made public transport unsafe. The best alternative for a trip is your own transportation. Invest in a roof rack basket for extra storage. Your car should be able to carry your self-care package without leaving anything out.
Practice Meditation
Sometimes it’s easy to get used to the hectic life during an adventure. Don’t let that distract you from giving your brain its daily need for mindfulness. According to a study, meditation reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in 4600 adults. You can relieve travel anxiety by meditating for only 10 minutes daily. Try incorporating this habit into your daily schedule. You’ll end up feeling more balanced and relaxed. It’s a great way to prepare yourself for a day full of excitement.
Get A Massage or Exercise
Sometimes it’s easy to hold tension in your muscles without even realizing it. A trip full of adventure is likely to tap into your adrenaline often. Take a break and visit a nearby spa. Research says that massage therapy alleviates muscle soreness. A trip can reduce pain caused by physical exertion to the spa. If you’re short on time, try doing simple stretching and yoga. Before you get busy exploring, your mind and body should be in sync.
Get Proper Sleep
The essential form of self-care is getting proper sleep. It may sound tempting to dive right into the exploration part, but it’s best to rest up. Traveling through time zones can give debilitating jet lags. The best way to get rid of them is to sleep and eat properly. The time you spend sleeping is the time your body repairs itself. Traveling can be exhausting. Be kind to yourself, and get proper rest.
Stay Hydrated
It may sound obvious, but remember to drink plenty of water. You need more water while traveling than you do while staying at home. Your body goes through a great deal of physical activity while traveling. It loses water through sweat and may result in dehydration. Apart from feeling drained, research says that a lack of water could also affect your mood. You can’t travel when you don’t feel up to it. It’s best to stay hydrated and reduce the chances of nausea or headaches. Always carry a reusable water bottle with you during your trips.
Slow Down
Perhaps the best way to practice self-care is to slow down during a trip. You may have limited time in a city, but consider revising your schedule. Too many activities can put a lot of mental and physical pressure on your body. You might also end up not giving enough time for each event. This significantly cuts down on personal satisfaction. The simple way to solve that is to take things slowly and leisurely. Avoid packing your schedule and give yourself time to rest. Don’t try to race to see everything. So, savor every moment of your time.
Embrace Unpredictability
Another important aspect of travel self-care is not to let ourselves feel disheartened after a minor inconvenience. Despite precise planning, something will always go wrong. Take the unpredictability of your adventures positively. It’s easy to feel low after an unfortunate incident but take the experience constructively. It could give you a lesson for your further trip. Don’t be discouraged, and move on with your plans. The best way to deal with unpredictability is to embrace it. Know that you can foresee everything, and appreciate the beauty of it. The best memories come out of unexpected incidents.
Conclusion
Self-care becomes more necessary during traveling because it’s easy to forget it in the chaos. Give yourself time to recover. Traveling shouldn’t be hectic as it is supposed to be therapeutic. Loosen up, be free, smile a lot, and take tons of pictures. Traveling is a great experience. Follow the above steps, and you’re all set for the self-care part. The rest depends on your willingness to make your journey a success. You’ll surely have a fulfilling and relaxing trip. Also, remember to carry your masks and sanitizers if you’re traveling during a pandemic. Staying safe is just as imperative. So, be cautious and take the utmost care of your health while you are on the road.
