5 Ways to Make Traveling Easier on Your Body
Summer travel is getting back to where it was prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but if you’ve traveled after a couple of years of laying low, you might notice that it’s a little harder to avoid those aches and pains that come with traveling and sometimes being more active while away from home.
With some good preparation, however, you can enjoy more of a pain-free vacation. Centers Health Care has a look at five ways to make traveling easier on your body.
- Think Ahead When Making Plans
If you’re planning a trip, try to limit activities that might be painful to you. If sitting in a car hurts your back, don’t plan a road trip where you’re in a car for several days, and if walking is difficult, don’t plan something where you will be on your feet for a long time.
- See a Doctor if Necessary
If plans mentioned above can’t be avoided, see your doctor before you leave. He may be able to provide pain medication you can take if you have aches or pains during the trip, and if you have chronic pain, a doctor can give a shot to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Pack Lighter
Packing lightly gives you less weight to have to lug around in suitcases. Be especially mindful of this if you are packing a suitcase to put in an overhead bin or an airplane or train, as it’s easy to injure yourself lifting and twisting your body to stow these bags. Ask for assistance if you feel you need it.
- Take Breaks to Stretch During Travel
When you’re moving, blood is flowing to muscles and joints to prevent stiffness. When you’re sitting in a plane or car for a long time, being stationary has the opposite effect. If you can, stand up and walk once an hour, and if that’s not possible, a simple stretch called a spine twist can be helpful: put both hands on one leg and slowly twist your body in t hat same direction, then repeat on the other side.
- Use a Neck Pillow
Looking down at a book or a screen can cause neck pain, as can settling into uncomfortable positions if you nap. A neck pillow will help keep your neck stabilized, and be sure to bring books or devices up at eye level so you’re not bending your neck down.
