Travel can be a welcome respite from routine, but it can also take a toll, especially if it’s for work. With some planning, you can avoid adverse effects on your health during your next vacation or business trip (like the SMART Convention).
From the airport to the buffet table, there are many opportunities to make healthy choices, say experts at the American Heart Association. Get more steps in by skipping the moving sidewalk or exploring your new surroundings. And remember, every restaurant offers grilled chicken or fish along with steamed vegetables!
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also outlines how travel-related stresses can worsen symptoms of mental illness. Anxiety, depression, or mood changes can set in as a trip approaches, and the interruption in routine can interfere with treatments or support for substance abuse.
These tips can help you stay mentally and physically healthy while away from home:
- Stretch before your flight — whether it’s an airport yoga room or at your seat.
- Choose a hotel with a fitness room or use your Wellbeats app to work out.
- Pack healthy snacks instead of opting for fast food.
- Look into the hotel’s spa or take time to meditate in your hotel room.
- Get help if you feel stressed, anxious, depressed or very angry — the SMOHIT Helpline is available 24/7 at 877-884-6227.
- Locate medical services at your destination in case you need them.
- Seek support at your destination — SMOHIT hosts a recovery-based 12-step program meeting online every Wednesday, and the SMOHIT app and website have links to Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings for megaproject cities. Visit SMOHIT.org and select the Mega Projects tab to find a city or meeting near you.
- Symptoms of a mental health condition may not arise until after your trip, so visit your doctor or health professional if this occurs.