Easy tips to stay healthy when you travel – look after your body and mind, wherever you are!

If you’re someone who exercises regularly, then you’ll have already noticed the many benefits of regular movement. However, even the most active people can struggle to maintain an exercise routine when they’re out of their usual environment. Plus, without the gym for motivation, or some at-home workout equipment, it can be a struggle to even know what to do!

Good news though; staying active when you’re away doesn’t have to mean hours on the treadmill, or spending ages following a rigid weights routine. The simple act of walking is a great way to incorporate movement into your day.

Be sure to pack a pair of comfortable trainers, clothing and a cap so that you can keep up your exercise while outside in the sun. Walking is a great way to improve your heart health, burn calories and simply become healthier^[1].

Other ways to incorporate more movement include skipping the lift and taking the stairs instead, avoiding cab journeys if the distance is walkable, and even packing a pair of light resistance bands into your case or a skipping rope for a quick cardio workout.

A word of warning: if you’re exercising outside in a hotter, sunnier climate, be sure to wear sun cream and try to head out before the heat gets too intense.

Whilst there’s nothing wrong with cocktails round the pool, be sure to maintain healthy levels of H20. The UK’s NHS recommends drinking 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid every day^[2].

If you’re flying to a destination, maintain healthy levels of hydration whilst in the air too; you may find that the air that circulates in aeroplane cabins is quite dry which can lead us to feeling more dehydrated than usual^[3].

Don’t forget; the ice when you travel, will often be made from tap water. So, to be safe, ask for your drinks without ice. Be wary of salads too; particularly leafy salads, which will have often been washed with tap water^[4].

Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, with children needing 9 to 13 hours per night^[5]. Why so much sleep? It’s during these hours of rest that our body and mind gets a recharge, ready for the next day. Our brains need sleep to function properly, and our body needs sleep to keep it healthy and to support our immune system in fighting off potential illness^[6].

It can be easy to skimp on sleep when you head off on a trip, however, ensuring you get enough good quality shut eye could be the key to making your trip even more enjoyable!

If you travel across time zones, jet lag can also cause disruption to sleep patterns. Be sure to get plenty of sunlight when you can in your new destination, as this helps to regulate the internal body clock.

You could also try changing your watch to the time of your destination before you set off to try and adjust your body clock to the new time zone.

Make hygiene a priority, at home and when on-the-go. Did you know that the average person’s hands come in contact with around 10 million bacteria every day, and the average person touches their face 16 times per hour!?^[7]

Washing your hands might seem like such a simple act, yet it’s one that can help prevent spreading illness such as food poisoning. Worryingly, research has found that only 39% of people wash their hands before eating food^[8].

It’s recommended to wash your hands regularly, and for around 20 seconds each time^[9]. Need a snack for on the move? Why not opt for a pre-packaged snack such as an Eat Natural bar?