My Supplements and Healthy Habits for Travelling*
One of the perks of being self-employed is that as long as I have internet I can take my work with me wherever I go, so if an opportunity presents itself to travel I try to take it. However I’ve a sensitive digestion and too much change, flights and different foods can leave me feeling exhausted. Years ago I would finish a trip craving a return to my routine but now I’ve tweaked things and am able to enjoy being away so much more.
There are a few habits and things I take with me to stay healthy and whether you travel for work or pleasure I hope these are useful for you too:
Remember your usual supplements
When you’re out of routine it’s so easy to forget your supplements. I am certainly not someone who is able to bring the bare minimum with me while travelling that said I try to minimise bulky packaging. I decant pills into a little pill box by day and remove any sachets from boxes where possible. As well as the products from My Vegan Bundle I took additional Revive Active sachets while away which are particularly useful for slipping into your plane bag and mixing into water on a long flight.
Focus on Magnesium
One thing I will always allow space for is extra magnesium. It’s found in lots of foods including Kelp, wheat bran, wheat germ, almonds, cashews, buckwheat, brazil nuts, dulse, hazelnuts, millet, pecans, walnuts, rye, tofu, soy beans, brown rice, figs, dates, collard greens, avocado, parsley, beans, barley, dandelion greens, and garlic. However when you’re travelling you’re likely not able to cook for yourself or integrate it through your diet as easily so I choose to supplement. I find it has both a mentally and physically relaxing effect on my body. I was going away skiing and although I’m quite physically fit I knew the days would be more active than usual. It also helps you wind down in the evening. I took Mag365 most days.
Magnesium increases GABA, which encourages relaxation as well as sleep. Low GABA levels in the body can make it difficult to relax. Magnesium also plays a key role in regulating the body's stress-response system.
Sleep Routine
As soon as I am on a plane I will switch my watch to the local time and try and adjust to that routine. I always bring an eye mask with me as oftentimes hotel rooms have glowing plugs or safety features that can be really distracting. I also pack ear plugs. Most importantly I set my alarm and wake early. I feel so much better for it and love having some time to myself before the day gets busy.
Stay Active
I know most people want to do the traditional tourist things whilst abroad but personally I love to check out local health food stores and yoga studios. I use the Mind Body app which is used in over 130 countries to book into fitness classes. When you’re away if you click on the ‘Fitness’ tab and click the ‘5 k’ setting local classes and studios show up. Whilst I was in Monaco I found The Good Mood Factory and booked into a pilates class. I honestly didn’t understand much of it but met some lovely people and felt like I was engaging with a like-minded community regardless. Airports, delays and crowds can leave you energetically frazzled but especially while travelling I find gentle exercise helps to reset my body and ground me where I am.
I’m also a huge fan of quick youtube workouts and do >this< and >this< a lot. They’re 10 minutes and really effective.
Take 15
There can be so much pressure to see and do everything when you’re away but I’ve found I just get burnt out. An expression I read recently is ‘the slower you do it, the quicker you get there’ and I try to keep this in mind. A busy schedule can be exciting if you’re in the mood for it but also exhausting if you’re tired. That said a quick 15 minute soak in a bath or a meditation from an app on my phone can turn things around so quickly.
One product I adore is the Kneipp Eucalyptus bath oil. Known for its soothing properties, the crisp, botanical scent of eucalyptus essential oil is quite intense and concentrated so you only need a small amount but I find it really effective. If you’ve any decongestion from the plane it can also help clear it.
*This post is created in collaboration with Meaghers Pharmacy. All products shown available in-store.
See Meaghers Pharmacy for more information.
