Holidays for many, including myself, are a time to cut loose on our clean living ways and indulge a little more than usual. However, as the body goes into holiday mode and we hit the ground at our new destination I feel sluggish and sometimes the sniffles will follow.
My husband and I recently spent 7 glorious days travelling through Tasmania for our honeymoon and there was certainly plenty of indulging on local cheeses, ice-cream and chocolate to name a few. However, as I’m married to a holistic health coach (the big brother half of Primal Junction) there was a lot of conversation around how we could travel, indulge a little and still return rested.
So for all our beauties with holidays planned over the coming month, here’s 10 tips to stay A Conscious Beauty while travelling:
1. Choose your accommodation wisely:
Whether you are on the backpacker trail or high class hotels, choosing your accommodation style can have a effect on a number of things including sleeping and eating. Sometimes we don’t have a choice, but we suggest you weigh up the following – is the accommodation quiet? will I be able to recover well from a long haul flight or day in the car? is self-contained an option? Can I prepare some meals or store food (snacks, water etc). We typically opt for self-contained accommodation when we can because even if we do eat most of our meals out, it gives us the opportunity to shop at local markets or store some essentials like yoghurt, eggs, nuts, water, fruits and vegetables.
2. Pack stores of Vitamin C:
Vitamin C plays a huge role in fighting infections and keeping our immune system in check. Long haul flights, exposure to stale air and general ‘slowing down’ of the body after busy periods at work often results in an immune response even though we are on holiday. In order to fight off any sniffles, I like to take an extra does of Vitamin C prior to travel and upon arrival.
3. Probiotics:
As with Vitamin C, the immune response we often get while travelling coupled with air travel and general indulgence can put a lot of strain on our gut. Pack a probitoic option that doesn’t require refrigeration or look out for natural sources of probiotics such as Kombucha, Organic yoghurt, Saurkraut or even a dash of apple cider vinegar in your morning water.
4. Pack A Conscious Beauty essentials:
To ensure you arrive at your destination well rested or sleep well while staying in the big cities pack an eye mask and air plugs. Find some coconut oil at your destination for cooking and as a go to moisturiser. Make sure you pack your own cosmetics kit with your Organic and natural essentials as most of the hotel shower minis are laden with chemicals.
5. Drink lots of H2O:
Air travel is a killer on our hydration levels and being on the go means you sometimes forget to drink. Although bottled water isn’t our first choice for environmental reasons, we suggest stocking up on a few so you have access to as good quality water whenever possible. Bring your own smaller drink bottle so that you can always have water on hand. This is really important when the drinking water is poor quality.
6. Move, run, swim and walk in nature:
You know we love Biophilia so holidays are the best time to maximise it! This will help you feel refreshed, get the oxygen moving through your body and the blood pumping. You can read more on the benefits of Biophilia here in Katherine’s recent post.
7. Meditate:
Unless you are traveling to a big city where serenity might be an issue, then one of my favourite thing to do when away is make use of time and space in my day to do a little meditation. You don’t have to master a meditative state, instead this could be as simple as taking 15mins away to sit by the ocean, watch the sunrise or sunset or find a quiet spot in the middle of the bush. You could also set iPhone up with some meditation MP3’s so that you can practice a ‘guided’ meditation while away. At a minimum, spend a few minutes taking deep belly breathes, be grateful, absorb all the beauty around you, be mindful and aware of your surroundings.
8. Ground yourself:
While away, spend time walking in nature and go barefoot as often as you can. This experience is often called grounding or earthing. Receiving the earths energy or positive electrons through your feet, has been known to reduce stress, increase energy and help you sleep better – allowing you to really maximise the benefits of a holiday – win win!
9. Alcohol:
Along with the indulging that might happen while away, it’s easy to sneak in a few more party nights than you normally would. The great thing is that you have more time to nurse that hangover! We suggest sticking to white spirits, request that sugar be omitted or reduced in cocktails where possible, ciders and Organic (Biodynamic) wines where possible. Don’t forget to follow a big night with plenty of hydration.
10. Snacks:
Depending on where you are traveling to, the type of food you have access to may be limited. However, if you happen to stumble on a little health food store or quality grocer abroad, we suggest stocking up on the following so that you have some ‘clean’ food choices on hand:
– Nuts and seeds (activated if possible)
– Organic Dark chocolate or carob
– Fresh fruit and nut butter
– Coconut water if you are active or in a hot climate
– Green smoothies to balance out to the indulgence
So that’s our list beauties! Even if you commit to a couple of things we know it will help you on your way to maximising that ‘well rested’ feeling that holidays are so awesome for.
As always we would love to know what your healthy essentials are for travel? Do you have a go to remedy? A favourite food or ritual?
