How I Stay Healthy, Happy and Sane While Traveling a TON
A year ago I dreamed of quitting my job and traveling the world. Today, I’m living that dream. Yet traveling to five countries in four weeks - as I have done before - is both physically and mentally draining, and if I’m not careful about managing myself and my limits, can leave me feeling the opposite of #blessed. For instance, below is a photo of me during a trip to Miami, feeling exhausted, lonely and overwhelmed (shout out to my friends and sisters for helping to pull me out of a deep funk before my St. Lucia trip). Despite my beautiful surroundings and the fact that I was finally living my dream, this photo is proof that a joyful life is cultivated from within and is not based on circumstances.
When it comes to keeping yourself healthy, happy and sane while traveling (or really, in any physically and mentally taxing situation), the biggest thing is to curate a toolbox of things you know will make you feel better. I also do a lot of traveling alone by choice and for my work, so putting together this proverbial toolbox is great to have for anyone taking a trip on their own. Everyone is different, and I’m not gonna try and prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness, but here are a few things in my toolbox:
Going for a run - I know I’ve mentioned it a few times on here, but going on a run in a new place does a few things. First, it immediately makes me feel like myself, even when I’m in a strange place. I’ve been running pretty much my whole life, so pounding the pavement always feels like being with an old, familiar friend. Second, it clears my head and either helps me think when I need the space to do so…or it helps me not think when I just want to blast some Kygo and tune everything else out. Finally, it’s a great way to quickly orient myself in a new city!
Meditation - Sometimes I feel like I’m not “good” at meditation, but then I remember all you have to do is sit somewhere comfortable and listen to your breath for a few minutes. Once I take the pressure off myself to force myself into enlightenment by straining to hear the very voice of God…it’s a lot easier, and it does a lot to ease my anxiety and feel more connected to myself. Need some guidance to get you started? Try one of my sister’s free guided meditations on SoundCloud!
Journaling - I’ve been keeping a journal even longer than I’ve been running. Sometimes my entries are deep, sometimes shallow, sometimes it’s just a list of things I like and other times it’s just a play-by-play of my day. No matter what I’m writing about, doing so steadies me. Writing helps pull a few of the thoughts swirling around my brain out of my head, simply by putting them on paper.
Calling or texting friends - I don’t know where I would be without my friends and sisters. When I start to feel low… it’s a slippery slope. I’ve learned that if I don’t reach out to someone I can wind up in true depths of despair. Instead I force myself to send a text or make a phone call to someone I know will bring some much needed light to my day. Usually I’ll start feeling better within minutes if not seconds of hearing from them.
Moving my body - If you’re not a runner, no big deal. Some days (weeks…months), I don’t feel like much of a runner myself. Instead, find a movement you enjoy - be it walking, swimming, rowing or yoga. If i’m somewhere without access to a gym or pool or just don’t feel like leaving my hotel room (it happens), I’m a big fan of Alexa Jean Fitness’ do-anywhere fitness guides. I stumbled across these on Instagram sometime in my early 20s, and have been using them on-the-go ever since!