Summer Survival Tips for Travelling
With the summer season in full swing and children so close to breaking up from school, we all usually tend to take a step back from our usual routines. Whether this be to relax, chill on a beach in the sunshine, explore landmarks or try out new activities.
We all deserve a holiday to indulge and treat ourselves, but often we come home feeling set back…
So, if you are someone who normally leads a healthy lifestyle whilst you are at home, then why waste all your hard work and throw that out the window during summertime?!
Dig deep and find that motivation, as I share my top tips on how to keep moving this summer.
Catching a flight? Prevent back pain with these tips…
- Pack lighter. While it may be tempting to overpack your carry-on bag, it’s best to pack light. A good guideline is to only bring a bag that is less than 10 percent of your body weight. A heavy bag can place a lot of stress on your back and shoulders as you lift and carry it multiple times during your trip.
- Don’t kill time by sitting for ages at your gate, stroll through the airport!
- When on the plane get up out of your seat. Walk up and down the aisle for a few minutes every two hours. Our bodies weren’t designed to endure hours of sitting. This will help promote blood circulation, as well as reduce cramping and reduce the chance of blood clots.
- Getting comfortable can be hard on an aeroplane. If you can, use a blanket or jumper to help support your lower back.
- Practice squeezing your glutes together when standing. This will help to wake your glutes up – which no doubt would’ve fallen asleep after sitting for such a long period of time.
- Make pelvic tilts your new best-friend! You can complete this exercise either seated or in standing. This will help to alleviate back pain and stretch out your back.
How to do a standing pelvic tilt:
To start, stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. This is your starting position.
Tuck your pelvis forward and push your bottom out. Imagine your pelvis is a bucket of water, and you are going to tip the pelvis forwards to spill the water out of the front. As you tilt the pelvis forwards, you may find your back arches slightly.
To return back to your starting position, tilt the pelvis backwards as if you were spilling the water out the back of the bucket.
As well as back pain, you may also experience neck pain. A travel neck pillow is key, it fits around your neck comfortably and designed to support you head and neck whilst sleeping.
How to stay active this summer whilst you are away:
- Choose to walk or cycle, instead of taking a taxi or public transport. This method of transport would also allow you to see much more of the place you are visiting too – it’s a win-win!
- Take part in activities. Whether you are on the beach, walking in the mountains or in the city there is plenty of activities you can do that will help you stay fit! Why not try something new like snorkelling, hiking, cycling or kayaking. I’m sure there are plenty of activities to choose from. You may even make some new friends doing so!
- Use the gym included with your hotel stay. It may not be what you are used to, but I’m sure you can adapt your workout to make use of the equipment.
- If there is no gym, go for a walk, jog or run. You can schedule this exercise in in the morning, in the middle of your day or in the evening. There are no excuses!
- Make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Another great tip of mine is to schedule your appointment around the time of your holiday. If you usually experience back and neck stiffness and tightness then time your Sports Therapy or Sports Massage appointment around the time of your trip.
Myself, and all of the other practitioners here at Tivoli Chiropractic clinic can work with you to eliminate any pain you may have – We are here to help you with your niggles and get you in the best shape possible before you take off!
I hope that everyone who is going away over the next couple of months has a really fantastic time! Remember to enjoy the rest and time off from our busy daily lives but still keep active and MOVE!
If you would like further support on how to survive this summer, please do not hesitate to contact me on gabby@tivolichiropractic.co.uk
Why not also read our other latest blog on Temperomandibular dysfunction (TMD) by Chiropractor, McCoy Tinsey.