We all dream of escaping the daily grind and embarking on exciting adventures. Travel broadens horizons, creating lasting memories, and allows us to experience new cultures.
However, the reality is that travel itself can disrupt our carefully crafted routines, impacting our sleep patterns, diets and exercise habits.
These disruptions while temporary can negatively affect our health and well-being, potentially hindering our ability to fully enjoy our escapes.
The good news is that there are ways to mitigate these disruptions and ensure that you can enjoy your travels without sacrificing your health.
So, let’s begin by looking at some of the impact travel disruption can have on our health.
The Impact of Travel Disruption On Health Routines
1. Sleep
Yes, sleep is a fundamental pillar of health. A good night’s sleep is essential for physical and mental restoration, cognitive function, and immune system health.
Unfortunately, travel often throws a blow into our sleep schedules due to some of the following:
Time zones: Traveling across time zones usually disrupts our natural body rhythm, the internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. The effect can lead to jet lag, a temporary sleep disorder characterized by fatigue, insomnia, daytime sleepiness and digestive issues
Unfamiliar Environments: New environments, unfamiliar sounds and disruptions like jet lag can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep while traveling. A study published in the journal Nature and Human Behaviour found that even minor sleep disruptions (losing just 1-2 hours per night) can significantly impair cognitive function and emotional regulation.
2. Diet
As much as most people love to travel, the act of traveling itself often throws a curveball at our dietary routines. Unfamiliar restaurants, limited access to healthy food options, and indulging in local delicacies can all lead to unhealthy eating habits while traveling.
Restaurant reliance and dining out frequently means consuming more processed foods, saturated fats and added sugar compared to home-cooked meals.
Also, vacation is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, which often translates to indulging in sweet treats and local culinary specialties.
Research from the American Journal of Public Health suggests that travel can lead to weight gain, with studies showing an average weight gain of 1-2 pounds per week during vacations.
3. Exercise
Maintaining an exercise routine can be a major challenge while traveling. Packed itineraries, limited access to gyms and simply wanting to relax can all contribute to a decrease in physical activity during trips.
A review published in the journal of sports medicine found that travel can lead to a significant decrease in physical activity levels, with studies showing reductions of up to 50%.
This decrease in physical activity can contribute to fatigue, muscle loss, and a weakened immune system.
Tips for Maintaining Wellness While Traveling
Having discussed the impact of travel disruption on healthy routine, let's now look at some tips on maintaining wellness while on the go.
The following recommended tips below are steps we can take to minimize the negative impact on our health and well-being.
Prioritize Hydration: Dehydration can worsen jet lag, fatigue, and digestive issues. Staying hydrated throughout your travels is essential for optimal health. So, as your health and wellness partner, we recommend investing in a reusable water bottle and aim to sip water frequently, especially during flights and in hot climates.
Embrace Local Movement: While structured gym sessions might be difficult to maintain, you can still prioritize movement on the go. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, explore new destinations by foot or bike, and participate in active excursions like hiking.
Pack Smart for Wellness: There are a few key items you can pack to support your well-being while traveling. A sleep mask can help block out light and create a more sleep-conducive environment. Earplugs can minimize noise disruptions, and a small yoga mat provides a platform for stretching or practicing quick yoga routines.
While prioritizing healthy habits is key, supplementation on are certain wellness products that can offer additional support for a healthy travel experience. Herbs of the Earth's first recommendation is:
BeautyVites: Maintaining a healthy glow and promoting healthy hair, skin and nails can be challenging while traveling because frequent flights, sun exposure, and changes in routine can all take a toll on your natural beauty. BeautyVites from Herbs of the Earth is your travel companion packed with essential nutrients like Biotin, Zinc, Collagen, Vitamin C, E and more to cater for your skin, hair, and nails. With BeautyVites, you maintain your natural beauty throughout your adventures, allowing you to explore the world with confidence.
2. Graviola: While traveling broadens your horizon and experiences in new environments, it exposes you to potentially unfamiliar germs. So, keeping your immune system strong is crucial for warding off illness and staying healthy during your trip.
With Graviola from Herbs of the Earth, you can experience the natural effect derived from this traditional remedy for boosting immunity. Taking recommended dosage can provide your immune system with a natural boost allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories instead of worrying about getting sick.
3. BigBiotic: New foods, unfamiliar water sources and changes in routine can cause havoc to your digestive system, leading to discomfort and bloating. Travelers often experience constipation or diarrhea as a result of these disruptions. BigBiotic from Herbs of the Earth is a prebiotics and probiotics blend formulated to support healthy digestion and gut health. By supporting a healthy gut microbiome, BigBiotic can help prevent digestive issues and keep your gut happy wherever you roam.
These convenient, certified organic gummies are a delicious and easy way to promote digestive well-being on your travels.
Conclusion
Travel is an enriching and rewarding experience for many who enjoys it. By prioritizing the above mentioned healthy habits and also incorporating the recommended travel essentials from Herbs of the Earth (BeautyVites, Graviola, and BigBiotic) into your routine, you can minimize the negative impacts of travel disruption and focus on creating lasting memories, feeling your best and embracing the adventure!
How do you stay healthy while traveling? Share your tips and experience in the comments below!