The Impact of Holiday Travel on Your Health
By Sara Butler
The holiday season is fast approaching and that means one thing: travel! Many people become familiar with the inside of a plane, train, or automobile this time of the year, much to the detriment of their health. Travel can be fun, but it’s also stress-inducing. Here are some recommendations to help take the toll out of holiday travel.
Your Luggage
Lugging around all that luggage can create problems for your body, especially if you don’t travel light! When you’re dragging that 30-pound pack around the airport, it puts a strain on your back, neck, arms, and shoulders. Don’t even think about lifting it over your head to store in the overhead bins!
The solution to this problem is to try and pack light. When you’re preparing to leave, use a discerning eye on the things you plan to take with you. Try to distribute the weight of your bag evenly and make sure to switch which side your carry the luggage on periodically.
Cozy Seating
Modes of public transportation aren’t exactly known for their roominess. And first class, where space seems more plentiful, is expensive. No matter where you sit -- aisle, window, or the dreaded middle seat -- hours of cramped seating conditions can strain your body.
If you can swing it, an aisle seat will be your best bet. That way you can stand and stretch periodically without having to crawl over complete strangers. Try to get up every 30 to 60 minutes in order to take some of the stress and strain off your body.
Germs
There’s no nice way to say this: Public spaces are teeming with germs. It’s unsanitary, but you can’t avoid it. If you don’t take precautions, you’ll end up sick and no one wants to be sick on vacation.
Make sure to see the chiropractors at The Joint before you leave so they can eliminate any joint dysfunctions and restrictions. Then, bring hand sanitizer and wipes with you to apply liberally when you’re traveling -- and don’t forget to wash your hands with warm water and soap often.
Sleeping on a Strange Bed
Your bed at home helps you get quality and comfortable sleep each night, but you never know what you’re going to get in a hotel or at your Great Aunt Edna’s house. It’s common to wake up with a stiff neck and back when you travel and sleep in a strange place, but you can avoid it.
Before going to bed at night, stretch. Then, stretch each morning when you wake up.
Have a great time during your holiday travels, but don't forget to care for your health along the way.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.