Traveling is a great way to recharge and relax by getting away from it all. Whether it’s a daytrip, a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, putting yourself in new surroundings is a welcome pleasure that allows us to sample new places and things. But, for all of the enjoyment it brings, the down side to traveling is the toll that it takes on the body. A stiff neck, sore muscles, back pain and headaches can leave you frustrated by the time you reach your destination, depending on the severity of your condition.
The best way to avoid finding yourself in that situation is to be smart and plan accordingly. There are ways to beat the aches and pains of the journey, whether you are traveling by car, train, bus or plane. A few simple things can make a world of difference in how your body responds to a trip. By simply knowing what to do, you can combat these potential problems, and help to ensure that your travel experience is a memorable one. And hopefully, you will arrive without any aches and pains from the trip.
When flying long distances, it’s imperative to increase your fluids, specifically water. The airplane is pressurized and has a low humidity level, which can leave you dehydrated. This has a negative effect on the circulation and muscle health of the body. While increasing your water consumption, it’s important to avoid fluids like coffee and tea, as well as alcohol. These act as diuretics, which will only increase your dehydration. The solution is clear; it’s water!
Unless you are an extremely free spirit, traveling usually involves luggage of some kind. Luckily, many large bags are now produced with casters, allowing them to be rolled through airports or train stations with ease. However, while the big bags are more mobile on hard surfaces, they must still be moved from the curb to the trunk, or maybe even up a couple of flights of stairs when you get home. So wheels, or no wheels, you must be cautious when moving your baggage. Bend your knees whenever possible to take some of the strain off of your back and hopefully, you can avoid injury.
Carry-on baggage can also be dangerous if it’s not handled properly. Whenever possible, do not lean or twist for your bags when loading or unloading the overhead compartment. This can lead to a variety of injuries to the neck or low back. Instead, center yourself on the overhead bin that holds your suitcase, lift and remove it carefully. Just because it’s not your “big bag” doesn’t mean it’s not heavy. Pack a lighter load if possible and make good decisions when handling travel gear.
Whether you are traveling by car, plane, bus or train, comfort is king. Make sure you are comfortable in your seat, but also that you are positioned correctly. Correct posture is the best way to avoid potential problems. Slouching, shoulders rolled forward or a head leaned to the side can lead to a number of ailments, including muscle spasms, back discomfort and the dreaded “crick” in your neck.
Take special precautions to prevent these and other problems. Put a pillow in the small of your back for support to help you avoid back fatigue. Also, a neck ring can be beneficial to ensure that your neck is properly supported. In addition, try to stretch your legs whenever possible and do leg exercises to stimulate circulation when the car is stopped. On a plane, try to walk around once every 30 minutes when traveling long distances.
There are few things more frustrating than arriving at your endpoint too sore or irritable to enjoy yourself. To avoid these circumstances, take the necessary steps to maintain your good health. Traveling is a great way to get away from it all, but it’s much more enjoyable if you don’t have pain and discomfort as your traveling companions.
