Self-Care On The Road
As cases of COVID drop across the country, in most areas, at least, more of us are heading out to visit loved ones or just get a change of scenery. Even with vaccination, hand sanitizer, and a mask, travel during a pandemic is extra stressful. Combine COVID anxiety with flight cancellations and delays, of course, travel is extra anxiety-provoking. (Also, seriously, flying is stressful. Remember this article?) While most of that is outside of our control, the thing that most of us neglect on the road is actually well within our own control and that’s our general self-care routine.
Not to sound annoying or obtuse, but what you need to feel healthy, safe, and comfortable might look different from what works for your friends and family. Important take aways here:
Nobody can tell you what routine will work best for you. Try things out and prioritize what you need.
Your friends and family might not “get” why it’s important to you to have your own throw blanket or to snag an aisle (or window) seat. Do what you need to do anyway.
Things Most of Us Neglect During Travel
Getting enough sleep. If you have trouble sleeping before, during, or after travel, consider asking your doctor for a small prescription for a sleep aid. Be careful because they are all extremely habit-forming, but taking an Ambien for a flight to London probably isn’t going to have you hooked for life. Over-the-counter versions can be helpful, but they tend to rely on antihistamines which can leave you groggy the next day. Try to stay as close to your normal sleep schedule as possible and don’t feel bad about passing on late nights out with friends or colleagues. Also, don’t be shy about asking the hotel for extra pillows or an extra blanket, if you need them.
Hydration. Even though travel doesn’t always make it easy to find a convenient restroom, dehydration can make you feel really strange, and it’s hard on your body.
Be kind to your stomach. This is not the time to get seriously adventurous with foods that typically give you problems. If anything, going as bland as possible most of the time might be the best thing to do if stress tends to hit you in the gut. That said, I love sampling the local specialties. Food and drink “indiscretions” happen. That’s why I typically travel with something for headaches, something for heartburn, and something for nausea.
Alone time. Choose your sleeping arrangement wisely. Sometimes, it’s seriously worth it to pay a little bit more to have a room of your own instead of sofa surfing or sharing a hotel room. Not everyone can do this, I get it, but if you know it’s important to have an “escape,” it’s a good idea to arrange something that allows you space where you can decompress.
Exercise. If you enjoy some cardio and it helps keep you sane under pressure, carve out some time to make that happen. National chain gyms often allow members to use other franchises. Lots of hotels have gyms. If all else fails, pack your workout shoes and take a walk or jog.
Take good care of yourself, and remember that even though everyone else may look composed at the hotel or airport, they’re probably stressed out too. It’s normal.
