Why you should practice self-care while travelling

Self-care is more than just working out and drinking clean water.

Self-care is simply caring for yourself well – which entails doing something, anything, to maintain or improve your own mental or physical health.

Why self care matters when you travel

It is no news that you can experience a lapse in mental or physical health while travelling just as easily as you can at home. It is even more likely, and with so many new things to see, hear and experience, it’s only natural to ignore the warning signs and put self-care on the back burner.

Anyone who has been on a vacation and battled malaria or fever will tell you that it puts a dent in the overall travel experience, and may even cut short the intended destinations. If you’re exhausted or feeling off, it’s so much harder to make long-lasting memories.

Establishing a self-care routine while travelling will help you keep your energy levels high, your mental state clear, and your body ready for adventure. 

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How you should take care of yourself when you travel

1. Prioritise sleep.
2. Make a progress/success list.
3. Take walks.
4. Don’t de-prioritise working out.
5. Take water, always.
6. Take a lot of fruits and vegetables.
7. Don’t rush your activities.
8. Go off your phone at certain points.

Prioritise sleep

You literally go off when sleep is taken down the list of priorities. It can be tempting to book that night bus or stay out a little too late while travelling, but a lack of sleep permeates all areas of your health.

Be aware of what you personally need for a solid eight hours. If it’s total darkness, consider adding an eye mask to your self-care packing list. If you need silence to sleep well, pack earplugs. If you cannot go ignore notifications from your phone, switch it off or put it on airplane mode.

Knowing yourself and your needs are an important part of practising self-care during business travel or personal travel.

Make a progress/success list

You can get exhausted as you learn new stuff and experience new cultures. In such cases, remind yourself of the things you’ve done well in those moments. Did you say hello and thank you to the security guard or the driver? Write it down. Did you say hi to a potential new friend? Write it down.

You’ll feel a noticeable shift in your own confidence before long.

Take walks

Most travellers won’t need to be reminded to get their steps each day, but it is important to our mental and physical health to move a lot. 

Find the best view in the area and walk there. Explore the whole of a new place on foot.

You’ll be breathing easier in no time.

Don’t de-prioritise working out

You cannot afford to stop working out because you are travelling. Stretching out keeps your physical and mental state intact.

Take a few moments to stretch out every day.

Take water, always

You cannot argue the importance of taking water every time of the day. If you’re feeling a little off, try to drink an extra glass of water.

Water resets the system. It has the innate power to refresh us when we need it most.

Take a lot of fruits and vegetables

Because we are out and about, it may be easy to depend on junk food a lot. We see beautifully made cakes and doughnuts and forget real food.

Forget the fancy meals for a moment and your body will reward you with more energy and a happier outlook.

Don’t rush your activities

By definition, travellers are on the move. Take a moment, or even a day, to stop and count the alphabets. It can be harder than you think!

If you’re struggling with slowing down, give yourself a reflective activity. Journal about your travel experiences so far, read a book, complete a simple skincare routine, do anything that calms your mind.

Go off your phone at certain points

Posting trip photos. Coordinating with new friends. It can be tempting to pass time on your phone while travelling. You should not be with your phone every time of your travel time. Unless the phone is your camera.

Create a physical space in your accommodation or a certain space in your day for a digital detox.

What do you need to take care of yourself when you travel

1. A journal
2. A reusable water bottle
3. Workout clothing
4. Ear plugs
5. Eye mask
6. Yoga mat
7. Skincare products

Take care of yourself!