wellness on the go

*Photo above: Sonia Peltzer of Yoga Squirrels basing me in high bird at LA Boulders. Acro yoga is FUN.

Traveling somewhere new is an exhilarating means of releasing some of our “normal” behaviors and lifestyle habits. It’s an exciting, uninhibited time to experience new places, people, food and maybe even discover new things you might want to incorporate into your own life.

Often, however, we can use traveling and vacationing as an excuse to indulge in ways that might not serve us. Yes, it is important to let go of the reigns a bit, listen to our bodies, cut ourselves some slack and allow some wiggle room for new things. But when those things are destructive, it is imperative to take a step back and consider if it is necessary.

I am absolutely not suggesting we force restrictions upon ourselves – I am simply encouraging us all to practice experiencing these things mindfully so as not to cause harm. If we can integrate the act of observing our surroundings when we travel, perhaps we can sneak it into our “regular” lives as well.

Being around new people, places and things is also an enlightening way to discover more about your Self. The ways in which we react to unfamiliar and sometimes unexpected experiences that come with traveling provides us with an opportunity to observe our truest Selves, minus the sheaths we might use to protect us otherwise.

Last week I taught two Breakti workshops in NYC and LA, and we discussed the art of transition, or moving from place to place [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][i.e. traveling]. The seasons transition from one to another on their own time, regardless of how much we might feverishly beg winter to turn into spring. I know I often find myself checking out of these types of transitions that feel sticky or uncomfortable, even when I know there is so much to learn from the steps we take in between.

If we can learn to notice our transitions, to transition in a way that supports the way in which we enter and exit our current experience, we will learn to stay present in the unpleasant moments whether we’re traveling, eating, or just sitting still.

If we play our cards right, traveling can be both introspective and healthy. I have discovered some easy tips to take our wellness and mindfulness practices on the road with us without feeling restricted or having a serious sense of FOMO. Here are a few tricks:

• BYOBottle, coffee/tea mug and clean snacks. There is nothing nourishing about plane food, and flying is seriously dehydrating. Drink as much water as possible and bring nuts/seeds, dried fruit, crackers, kale chips or dehydrated veggies, granola, trail mix, and dark chocolate [always].
• Pack tea. Most coffee shops offer hot water. Win win. I love peppermint Yogi Tea. ALOHA even has dried green juice – perfect for health on the road.
• Bring natural relaxation enhancers like melatonin to help you sleep or lavender essential oil to calm you down. Earplugs and good reading materials/journals are also smart choices.
• Drink hot water with lemon as often as possible – ask for it on the plane, they’ll sometimes have it available. If not, warm water alone is hydrating too.
• Do some research beforehand. Ask advice from people who have been there before, and from the locals when you’re there. This will give you plenty of ideas and options to explore based on previous plans, or ditch plans completely and take advice from natives.
• If you find yourself feeling restricted from indulging, think 80/20. Eat clean, whole foods the majority of the time and allow room for treats – it will make them all the more special. It helps me personally to incorporate greens whenever humanly possible. This doesn’t mean I feel like I can’t eat what I want, especially because what I want is to feel good. Plus there is nourishing, clean food worldwide when we look for it and intend to find it. We are capable of taking care of ourselves anywhere at any time, if we desire.
• Resist the urge to escape and notice when you find yourself checking out – like when you pick up your phone to check email or Instagram. Indulge instead in each moment – notice how your breath moves, the sounds around you, the people or space around you. Life is magical.

What do you do to travel in style, maintain mindfulness and wellness on the go, and vacation with an open mind?

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