Being on the road shouldn’t mean compromising on your physical and mental health. Follow these simple, easy to achieve rules and keep both mind and body in tiptop condition while you travel.
Move at every opportunity
Exercising while not thinking you’re exercising is the best kind. Skip the lift and take the stairs whenever you can, walk rather than using public transport when you’re in a city (and see so much more to boot) and just move, move, move! Stand rather than sit (standing alone burns 50 calories an hour) and lift your luggage like you mean it.
Exercise with other people
Working out in the company of others has been proven to help with motivation, stamina and also promote a more positive mind set. If you find yourself based somewhere for a while, try to join a local sports team. It’s a great way to meet people and maintain your health too. Failing that, gyms are pretty much everywhere these days especially in cities and towns, so use them. Even if you set aside 20 minutes a day for a quick run or a yoga class, your health (and waistline) will thank you for it.
Nourish your body (and mind)
Yes you’re exhausted and sure it’s easy to chow down on a quick burger at the bus station while you wait, but is there really nothing else on offer? If you need to snack opt for fruit that you can peel and buy healthy packaged foods like unsalted nuts and cereal bars. All those fatty snacks add up to a foggy mind and unhealthy body. Nourishing your body with fresh, unprocessed food is one of the simplest ways to boost your mental and physical health. Don’t use travel as an excuse to eat junk food.
Practice mindfulness and take the time to calm your mind
Travelling can takes its toll, not just physically but emotionally too. It is often stressful, unfamiliar and unpredictable. Be mindful of the impact on your mental health and take the time to zone out whenever you can. Just 10 minutes of mindfulness a day will equal a calmer more resilient mind, ready to take on the stresses and strains of travel.
Use fitness apps
There are countless apps on the market geared towards making us healthier and happier. Whether it’s running, swimming, yoga or just walking there will be an app that will set you a goal and help you stick with it. Apps such Map My Run and Strava allow you to share your progress with others, meaning you’ll also feel part of a larger community. And don’t forget that the vast majority of smartphones have an inbuilt pedometer, so it’s easy to keep track of how many steps you’re taking each day.