Healthy Balancing While Traveling
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WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS BLOG:

Packing Essentials for a smooth experience.

Strengthening the mind and body during your lead-up to departure.

Tips for the day of departure and the first few days of your journey.

How to stay in high vibration throughout.

Eating out tips.

A HUGE PILLAR TO GLOWING HEALTH…

comes from balanced choices, moderation, and routine. At the same time, variety is the spice of life! When we embark on new adventures, it feeds our soul and that excitement can lead to a disassociation from that which keeps us holistically well.

STRESS, INCLUDING GOOD STRESS…

like safety warnings or traveling, can affect humans in different ways such as:

• Impaired digestive functions
• A compromised immune system
• Your biome has to adapt to local bacteria which differs every few miles!
• Constant fatigue
• Overwhelm/ anxiety
• Various bodily aches and pains

Ayurveda works to balance the mind, body, and spirit…

to maintain optimum health by an individual. THUS, it can help keep you balancing and energized while traveling!

One of the foundational principles of Ayurveda is balancing the doshas (the 3 different energy types that exist in all things).

Vata dosha is the embodiment of change and movement, comprised of air and space. It makes sense that travel can lead to an overload of this energy, leading to the imbalances mentioned above.

THUS, we work to keep Vata healthy, satisfied, and calm.

“BUT I FEEL SO GOOD AND ALIVE WHILE TRAVELING?!”

Yes of course! And this is on purpose! The concept of like attracting like applies here. If it is your nature to enjoy new things (high Vata), then having more of these experiences will invigorate yet can lead to excess. (Too much of a good thing leads to imbalance).

As mentioned, variety is the spice of life. AND, it is possible to become addicted to the spice if the time is not taken to re-ground.

WHY DOES TRAVEL STRESS THE BODY?

The mind loves variety because it can comprehend possibilities. At the same time, the body can only be present and typically reacts based on historical knowledge and patterns.

It takes about 7 generations for a body to become fully adapted to a new diet, lifestyle, and location. Shout out to all of my multi-ethnic humans and transplants! What beautiful and powerful work we get to do!

When it comes to digestion, how easy is it to do your business at a new friend’s house? Humans feel uncomfortable eliminating the bowels in a new environment, especially when tensed or stressed. (The way one may feel in a whole new culture or subject to a new set of rules).

THUS, travel wether excited, busy or nervous can lead to:

• Skipping meals
• Loss of sleep
• Dehydration
• Exposure to cold/ wet conditions
• Stress & exhaustion
• Unfamiliar spaces, foods, customs.
• Uncertainty
• Anxiety & tension

Now, let’s break down some ways to ease the process so you can travel with grace, awareness, and good health.

PACKING ESSENTIALS:

• Thermos - Warm water keeps digestion strong.
• Herbal Teas - Ex: Cumin + Coriander + Fennel, Tulsi rose.
• Triphala or Dashamoola - Unless pregnant or nursing.
• Ashwagandha - Ensure this is right for your Dosha
• Immune Spray - Ex: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea tree, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger
• Packed Food (see below for details).
• Small spill-proof of oil like sesame - Lubricate nasal passages to ease inflammation, germ prevention, lubrication & massage feet to ground, and avoid jet lag.
• A Momentum - Something to bring familiarity like a stone or shawl.
• Hydration tools :
• Water bottle
• Small bag of salt + lime to build electrolytes (just a pinch of salt!)
• Eye drops
• Lip Balm
• Rose Spray
• Vibes!
• Download music playlists you love!
• Podcasts that prepare you for your new location.
• A book
• A journal - note present emotional and physical experiences.
• Eye Mask & Ear Plugs - Sleep is essential!!!
• Magnesium - Not to be used every day but rather the lead-up and beginning of the trip.

Lead up to your departure…

Keep your digestion & immunity strong

Depending on your unique mind/body type, this can look like;

• Extra warm water 1-2 days before departure.
• Sipping on fresh ginger tea.
• Clearing your schedule and prioritizing self-care.
• Utilizing turmeric, licorice, echinacea, honey, cardamom.
• Prioritize getting 7-8 hrs of sleep.
• Abdominal massages and belly breathing 2 - 5 min a day.
• Ensure your space will be clean to come home to (calms anxiety).
• Get a massage to feel grounded.
• Lubricate nasal passages.
• You can put a drop of sesame oil on a Q-Tip, gently rub, and sniff 2-3 times.
• Dry brush - invigorates lymph and encourages healthy circulation.

DAY OF TRAVEL

 Keep your circulation in good health. This will also keep your immunity strong and avoid swelling + stagnation.

• Touch toes & reach for the sky several times.
• Grab the back of your chair and gently twist.
• Hug your knees into your chest.
• Malasana Pose
• Seated Half Pigeon (Figure four with your legs)
• Eagle Arms (Or give yourself a big hug!)
• Breathing exercises!
• Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath)
• Yoni Mudra Breathing
• Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate nostril breathing)
• Belly breathing! When you arrive at your hotel or new home, lay back and get your feet up the wall.
• Massage the body.
• Head to toes, make sure you get your stomach!
• Do this throughout your trip.

1st few days in new space…

During this time the mind and or body can get paranoid and relationships can become tense in defense. Try this:

• Schedule in REST - The first full day, take it easy, relax, move slow, observe. BE where you are!
• Favor easy to digest foods -
• This looks like simple whole foods that are cooked with safe/fewer oils.
• Avoid going right for the gooey, dried, and fried.
• The body is assimilating to a new space with new bacteria, air, etc. We do not want to over-stress it!
• Hydrate - This includes noting where to get clean water or where you can get/make boiled water. No need for a parasite on a trip!
• Try to avoid alcohol the day of and the first day of the trip.

SURVIVE JETLAG

The body loves routine and uses them to schedule efficient use of blood according to the daily rhythms of the sun. Typically it takes 2 weeks to reset our biological clocks to the sun. While waiting, the appetite may be low during meal times and strong in the middle of the night. THUS, try these tip to mitigate irritations:

• Nutmeg - Ayurveda’s favorite for insomnia and jetlag.
• Add to steamed milk, hot water, or tea before bed.
• Option to add cardamom.
• Drink ginger tea at mealtimes to reset your internal clock sooner.
• Not tired at bedtime?
• Go to bed and close eyes anyway.
• Practice breathing techniques.
• Apply gentle pressure to eyes.
• Massage your feet.
• Read a book (I bring a scarf I can safely put over side table lights if they are too intense).
• Journal.
• Meditate.
• Listen to relaxing music
• Remove electronics from the sleeping area.
• Take a hot shower.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the climate!
• Green tea when you wake
• Want to avoid too much caffeine overall however, during the first few days of your trip this can help nudge the body to assimilate.
• In excess, it can cause jitters, disrupts sleep.
• Note - coffee dehydrates which can be counterproductive.
• Prepare yourself for an easy, quick morning and evening routine as best as you can.

Balancing Foodie Tips

Food culture changes from region to region, family to family, friend to friend, all regardless of time zone! Note the below to gently ease your body into a new location.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE JOURNEY THERE:

• Focus on grounding foods that are warm and moist. You can bring a container of:
• Steamed veggies
• Cooked potatoes
• Rice or grain with spices (consider kitchari!)
• Cooked apples (apple sauce packets do not need to be refrigerated and has lots of fiber to keep bowels moving!)
• Fruits
• Bananas - great source of hydration and are at most rest stops/airports!
• Apples - be sure to wash VERY WELL.
• Sour fruits
• These keep bowels lubricated, minds stimulated, boosts blood sugar levels, and does not spoil fast!
• Ex: oranges, grapefruits, limes
• Fruits you must peal are ideal when bought in new locations to avoid unwanted microbes.
• Homemade instant oatmeal!
• As a soothing demulcent, this will encourage healthy elimination.
• Using a blender or food processor on low you can grind oatmeal and then all you need is hot water!
• Add a pinch of salt for hydration.
• Add dates or raisins, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a healthy dose of ghee.
• Rice cakes + nut butter.
• These are dehydrating so be mindful!
• Dried fruit, raisins, prunes, nuts, and seeds.
• You can soak overnight to ensure digestive properties.
• Collapsable bowl and a spoon.

EATING AT RESTAURANTS

Restaurants are designed to taste incredibly compelling so you return or write an amazing review. Thus, the food industry has created the perfect food formula to make the output taste irresistible and be cost-effective. This means:

Cheap Oils + Non-Organic Goods + GMO Produced + Artificial Ingredients + Storage in Plastic Containers

No matter, eating out CAN BE VERY HEALING due to the properties of:

Socializing + Celebrating + Romance + Vibes + Saving Time!

THUS, here are some tips to be balancing while enjoying eating out:

• Schedule for lunch or earlier in the evening while digestion is stronger.
• Check menus online in advance.
• Eat lightly & simply leading up to the event.
• Have a small but healthy snack before dining to avoid starving and binging.
• Choose a responsible amount of food.
• Asking for a box while you order.
• Get a side of steamed veggies.
• Note bitter greens like parsley stimulate bile production which helps with the digestion of heavy fats.
• Vinaigrette Dressing > Ranch.
• Sour taste aids in fat metabolism.
• Ask for hot water + lemon to sip through the meal.
• Avoid cold drinks.
• Add a pinch of trikatu, or black pepper.
• Avoid too much complimentary bread.
• Get excited for the good stuff!
• Minimize fried foods.
• Especially tortilla chips which tend to be cooked in rancid or overcooked oil.
• Whole foods over-processed foods
• Ex: Brown Rice > White Rice
• Meats ordered from “most healthy to eat out”:
• Organic
• Paster Raised
• Chicken or Fish (only if wild-caught)
• Turkey
• Lamb
• Beef
• Favor simple with fewer ingredients.
• Ask questions!
• You are worth knowing what is going into your body because it becomes you!
• CHEW - savor the yumzzz.
• AVOID PERFECTIONISM
• The most important thing is your intention.
• Communicate with your food and your body. Agree with the next step and get excited about your choice!
• Take a stroll after your meal
• Give thanks, release regret, have fun!
• Anything eaten with guilt or regret will harm the body more than if enjoyed with an attitude of thanks.

Overall…

Please enjoy yourself. Travel stimulates personal growth and new ideas. If we want to genuinely bring home new experiences and phycological enlightenment, we must be present, be open, have compassion, and be patient. Let each moment nourish and teach. This is not just for you but everyone you encounter - what a gift!

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