3 Tips for Healthy Family Travel
By Genevieve Cunningham
Summer is a big travel season. It’s a time when families pack their bags, pile in the car, and hit the road for some quality time. And while this is a lot of fun, it’s also really hard to maintain good health while you’re on the go. But you shouldn't let that stop you from a great summer. Instead, get prepared! To keep your family healthy through summer travels, take a look at these tips.
Don't Rush
Of course it's tempting to get in the car and go as fast as you can until you reach your destination. But if you're traveling with your family and you want to stay healthy, this may be one of the worst things that you can do. When you try to rush, you're more likely to make unhealthy choices. You're more likely to run through the drive-through to grab lunch. You're more likely to stay in a seated uncomfortable position for longer periods of time. If it's at all possible, don't rush your trip. Make sure there's plenty of time for breaks, healthy meals, and moments to stretch your legs and get some exercise. This makes a big difference in your health along the way, and can also make your trip much more enjoyable.
Drink Water
Sometimes when we're on vacation, we indulge a bit too much. And one place in which we indulge quite a bit is with our beverages. Instead of reaching for a water bottle, we tend to reach for a soda at the gas station. If you're trying to keep your family healthy, think about reducing your soda intake and increasing your water intake. Pack water bottles and make sure that they stay filled up. If you need flavor, take some flavor packets to add to each bottle. Though it might force you to make a few more stops along the way, it will be much better for your health and the health of your family in the long run.
Stay Engaged
When you're traveling together, it's a great time to communicate and have open conversations. Why does this matter? Because open communication can truly enhance the mental health of everyone involved. While it's okay to put in some headphones and enjoy the ride for a while, make sure that there are some moments when your family is engaged with each other. Ask questions, discuss hard topics, and also make plenty of jokes and laugh together. This conversation and family togetherness is better for your family culture as well as for the emotional and mental health of all involved.
Traveling can be great fun. It allows you to do things that you've never done before. But if you're not careful, traveling can also be really hard on your health. Use these tips to protect your family this traveling season. With just a little bit of planning and a cooperative nature of everyone along for the ride, you can keep your family healthy while having a blast this summer.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Anaheim, Calif.