Fly Comfy, Land Happy
I love to travel and see new places. Getting to have new experiences and step out of my daily routine helps make it feel like time is slowing down a bit, like life isn’t passing so fast. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with the people you travel with.
There are some steps I take to make the travel experience as calm and smooth as possible:
Clean your space before you leave
Fresh sheets, as little dirty laundry in the hamper as possible, and take all the trash out. Future you will thank you for preparing your space for your return.
For the plane
Noise-canceling headphones. A movie or book you’re looking forward to. Or maybe music and your journal. Bring snacks so you stay nourished and don’t land hangry. Also, bring a neck pillow for longer flights. It does make a difference and you don’t need anything fancy.
Bring an eye mask and earplugs
Darkness and quiet are essential for a good night of sleep, and these might come in handy at your next destination.
Prioritize fiber when you travel
It’s easy to get off your routine while traveling, but eating enough fiber helps support digestion and your overall sense of well-being. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference in how you feel.
Aim to move your body before and/or after your flight
Since you’ll be sitting for a while, it’s helpful to get some movement in before you board or after you land. Personally I find that some cardio to get out my energy before a flight, and then a good stretch after a flight, helps keep my body feeling good. Everyone is different, so I reccommend experimenting to find what feels best for you!
Try to be present and enjoy your vacation
You can keep helpful habits going, like meditation, movement, or journaling. It doesn’t have to look the same as it does at home, but a little consistency can help you stay grounded and enjoy your trip even more.
You might indulge a bit more than normal, and that’s totally okay
There’s no need to change your habits before or after your trip to try to compensate. That can be more harmful than helpful. Let yourself enjoy and trust that your body knows how to come back to balance.
If you can’t do all of these things, it’s ok. Give yourself grace and do what you can!
