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If you're going to be away from home for a few days on business, or if you've finally arranged for your dream vacation, use these helpful travel reminders to cut down on stress and increase your energy level.
First...Plan Ahead!
Consider your carry-on baggage. Are you taking too much? Are you taking enough? More importantly, are you within Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines? The math is easy: Height + Width + Depth = 45 inches. This means the total dimensions of your bag, when added together, must be 45 inches or less. If your answer is greater than 45 inches, it's time to find another bag.
Don't forget to consult your doctor for advice about medications and immunizations especially if you are going overseas. If you are on a special diet, request your meal preferences in advance of your scheduled departure. While you're at it, if you have any other special needs, now is the time to discuss them with airline personnel.
Second...Don't Skimp on Sleep!
For a pleasant traveling experience, stock up! Rest as much as possible before your trip and you'll be glad you did. Also, to help avoid jet lag, you might want to try to adjust your sleep schedule before getting on the plane; get into a regular routine of sleeping and waking hours. This "routine," will help your body adjust to the time changes more easily.
While on the plane, you might want to set your watch to the travel destination if you haven't already done so. Remember, if you feel tired during your trip, try to take short naps and avoid naps longer than one hour. Too much sleep is just as bad as not enough.
Third...Eat and Drink Right!
As tempting as new foods can be when traveling to foreign countries, here are a few suggestions you should keep in mind before allowing the local fare to reach your lips.
First, choose foods that allow your body to function at full capacity. Make sure you get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (those in season are best!), high-fiber grains and complex carbohydrates.
If you normally avoid greasy foods and those high in fat, don't change your eating habits now! Fatty foods and heavily spiced foods are almost always guaranteed to upset a stomach.
Don't forget to drink water -- lots of water -- especially when flying! A good rule of thumb is to consume at least 8 ounces for each hour of flight time to avoid dehydration. (Adequate water consumption also helps reduce jetlag, too!) If, however, you have doubts about the quality of the water in your destination of travel, choose bottled water.
Above all, keep a close watch on your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. These two "characters," could noticeably affect your sleep and energy levels.
And, Lastly...Don't Just Sit There!
Get up and move! Exercise is important...even if you're on a plane or you've reached your final destination! Include moderate activity such as a half-hour walk in your traveling routine. Not only does it do wonders to reduce stress, but exposure to sunlight dramatically helps your body to adjust to the new time zone. Psssst...don't forget the "cool-down" period (about two hours) before you go to bed!
Here's to a healthy, stress-free trip!
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