How to Overcome the Health Obstacles of Holiday Travel
Over the hill and through the woods to grandmother’s house, we go! If only it were that simple. Nowadays, it’s more like sitting in traffic, standing in line, taking off your shoes at security, and wearing a mask for three hours cramped in an airline seat made for a toddler to go to our sister-in-law’s packed house in suburbia.
All this effort to eat a dry turkey, open a gift that we don’t want, and listen to the political ramblings of a drunk relative we only see at weddings, funerals, and holidays. Oh, and don’t forget that we’re supposed to pretend that this whole scene is fun. Where’s the egg nog?
Okay, maybe it’s not that bad; the turkey is a Honeybaked ham, we get a gift card to our favorite store, and we actually enjoy hearing cousin Jimmy’s conspiracy theories. Either way, holiday travel is full of mentally and physically unhealthy obstacles we can avoid with a bit of planning.
Stress
It’s probably too late to change our plans, but the best way to travel over the holidays is off-peak. Whether we travel by planes, trains, or automobiles, doing it at the same time as everyone else is a nightmare. Consider traveling on the holiday instead of the days prior and immediately afterward.
However we decide to get there, plan for it taking a lot more time than we think it will. Unexpected traffic jams, delayed flights, or special attention at the security line are bound to happen. If we allow for extra time, our stress level decreases as we watch the other frazzled travelers freak out.
Another good idea is staying in a hotel instead of a relative’s house. Unless you’re holidaying at a resort location, accommodations are relatively inexpensive at this time. Not only does this allow for downtime away from everyone, but it’s easier to decline a holiday activity that doesn’t interest us politely.
Finally, de-stress by bringing a travel relaxation kit with tools to help remove us from the chaos. Pack whatever we need to get away, like headphones, books, essential oils, or running shoes.
Exercise
Your in-laws probably don’t have a world-class fitness center in the basement, but you have everything you need for a good workout. There’s nothing better than de-stressing with a good sweat.
These bodyweight exercises burn calories and tension, whether we’re in a cramped hotel room, a relative’s house or a rest stop on the interstate.
If you’re unfamiliar with any of these bodyweight exercises, click each exercise for a YouTube demonstration.
No more excuses for skipping your workouts over the holidays, but it’s okay to take some time off and relax, too.
Diet
The riskiest aspect of holiday travel is that it has the potential to wreak havoc on our diets. There aren’t many healthy options at airport food courts, or interstate rest stops. When we’re stressed and hungry, our willpower is not much of a defense against the smell of a Cinnabon, Sbarro pizza, or Chick-Fil-A sandwich.
Preparation is the key to winning the battle against fast food when traveling. Try these tips for eating healthy on the road.
Eat well before leaving
The best defense against poor decisions is a full belly. Have a full meal before leaving the house instead of the usual plan to grab something along the way. Start your journey well-nourished and satisfied.
Pack healthy snacks
When the flight attendant comes around with pretzels, cookies, and sodas, ask for some water as you reach into your bag for real food. Pack nuts, cheese, and meats to ward off cravings and temptations.
Drink coffee
Coffee or tea with heavy cream and no sugar can take the edge off hunger until we reach a place with better food options.
Give fasting a try
If you’ve ever wanted to give intermittent fasting a try, now is the time. Fasting is an excellent strategy for skipping dangerous meals and making travel simpler. Start the day by telling yourself that you’re not eating until dinner or whenever but make a plan. Deciding not to eat ahead of time limits your options.
Master the menu
If you must eat at a restaurant, use common sense – say no to bread, ask for a double helping of vegetables instead of starches, eat protein, and skip desserts.
A glass of red wine or a basic cocktail is okay, but try to limit your alcohol consumption when traveling (assuming that you’re not driving).
Don’t make excuses that traveling is a reason to cheat on your diet and prioritize your health.
Whatever your plans may be this holiday season, have fun, stay safe, and don’t stress. Remember, this is supposed to be fun—wink, wink.
Take care, even down there.
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