As the holiday season approaches, many of us are eagerly planning trips to unwind and enjoy time with family and friends.
However, holidays often mean disrupting our usual health routines. Between festive meals, holiday stress, and lengthy travel, we might end up feeling stiff, fatigued, or even facing back pain instead of returning refreshed.
Here are some chiropractic tips to keep you in peak condition while travelling, so you come back feeling better than ever!
1. Prep Your Body Before the Trip
Your spine and muscles take on a lot of stress while travelling, especially with extended periods of sitting. Before your trip, consider visiting your chiropractor for an adjustment to ensure your body is in alignment. A quick pre-trip visit can also help identify any areas of tightness or misalignment, making it easier to stay comfortable on long flights or drives.
2. Avoid Long Periods of Sitting When Possible
Extended sitting, particularly in cramped plane or car seats, can lead to poor posture and stiffness. Aim to get up and stretch every hour or so to encourage blood flow and reduce strain on your lower back and neck.
For flights, take a short walk down the aisle, and if driving, plan stops to stretch. Moving around regularly can help you avoid the “travel slump” that leaves your back stiff and uncomfortable.
3. Be Mindful of Your Carry-On Bags
Carrying heavy bags or suitcases can put a lot of strain on your back and shoulders, especially when lifting them into overhead bins or navigating busy terminals.
Pack light and try to distribute weight evenly if you have multiple bags. Consider a rolling suitcase with good back support to minimise the load on your body. Remember to bend with your knees when lifting, and avoid twisting motions, which can strain your lower back.
4. Stay Active Even While Sightseeing
While holiday travel is often about relaxation, don’t miss out on opportunities to stay active. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for your body, and sightseeing provides plenty of opportunities to stay on your feet.
Opt for walking tours, and skip the taxi if your destination is close enough to reach by foot. Even simple exercises like calf raises or shoulder rolls can help relieve tension during the day.
5. Prioritise Restful Sleep
Travel often disrupts our usual sleep routines, but sleep is essential for your body to recover and heal. Try to get quality rest by packing items like a travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs to block out noise and light. If you’re travelling across time zones, consider adjusting your sleep schedule slightly a few days before departure to help your body adjust.
6. Stretch and Strengthen Regularly
Basic stretches can help reduce tension and increase flexibility, which is especially important after long periods of sitting. Simple stretches for your neck, back, and legs can make a world of difference in how you feel after a long day of travel or touring.
Consider incorporating a few simple yoga poses, like a child’s pose or downward-facing dog, which are easy to do even in a small hotel room.
7. Plan a Post-Trip Chiropractic Visit
After a fun and active trip, scheduling a post-travel chiropractic visit can help re-align any imbalances from all that walking, lifting, and unusual sleep setups. A good adjustment can ease post-travel stiffness and help you return to your routine with renewed energy.
Travelling over the holidays doesn’t have to mean putting your health on hold. With a little planning and some mindful habits, you can enjoy every moment of your vacation while keeping your body and mind in optimal health.
Safe travels, and may your holiday season be filled with health, joy, and wonderful memories!
