There is no denying it, no matter how much you’re looking forward to the destination, traveling is stressful. The 101 things on your packing list, checking and rechecking your ticket, keys and passport, long-haul flights, lengthy queues and a schedule that isn’t quite inline with what you’re used to back home. It's the perfect storm for restless nights, anxiety filled flights and a weakened immune system. The stress of travel can almost take away the purpose of your trip in the first place which is to rest, recover and spend time with loved ones.
Enter Ayurveda, an ancient holistic lifestyle approach that will help take the stress away from your travels, and wake up balanced in both your mind, body and spirit. Keep reading for our top Ayurvedic Travel Tips…
1. Balance Vata (air element)
Travel increases the Vata dosha, leading to dryness, restlessness or digestion issues. To stay balanced:
- Sip warm water or herbal teas (preferably ginger, fennel, cumin) regularly.
- Try to eat warm, cooked meals with grounding spices (think turmeric, cumin, cardamom) - it might not be easy depending on where you're travelling, but every little helps.
- Carry a Vata-balancing oil to massage feet or temples before bed. It makes all the difference.
2. Support Digestion
We've all experienced it. We take a trip away and suddenly our digestion is out of tune - either sped way up or slowed right down. Here's what you can do to help keep things regular:
- Take Triphala or ginger to keep digestion moving.
- Chew fennel seeds after meals to reduce bloating.
- Avoid cold, raw foods when flying or changing climates.
3. Stay Hydrated & Lubricated
Hot weather and too much time spent in the air can leave our bodies dry and depleted. These three steps are a go-to to banish the dreaded dryness:
- Apply nasya oil (e.g. sesame or ghee) in nostrils.
- Keep a facial mist handy to refresh skin and uplift energy.
- Use a rich face oil on flights to lock in moisture.
4. Maintain your night time ritual
Travelling somewhere different can throw your routine into a bit of a tailspin. Sleeping in a different bed, in a different climate and not surrounded by your usual home comforts can lead to a night of tossing and turning. Here's what we recommend:
- Bring along a few familiar items from home to help maintain your usual night time routine, this could be your own pillow case, your favourite candle or a calming pillow mist.
- Try to stick to regular sleeping and eating times to help reduce jet lag.
- Take Ashwagandha to help calm the nervous system ahead of your night's sleep.
5. Boost Immunity
The last thing you want during your travels is to get sick, and yet it's so common. Try these tips to ensure sickness doesn't slow you down:
- Drink tulsi or turmeric tea for immune support.
- Take chyawanprash or Amla (rich in vitamin C) to help fight off sickness.
- Practice nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to calm the nervous system and strengthen resilience
6. Embrace Himalayan Healing Salts
Did you know that Himalayan Healing Salts can even help with jet lag? Simply adding these pink salts to warm water can create the perfect foot soak for weary travellers. Containing 84 out of the 92 minerals found in the body, taking a relaxing soak can invoke feelings of well-being, calm and serenity in an overly stimulated world. Their healing properties will also help soothe aching feet and blisters from a day on your feet. They even come in Himalayan Healing Salts Travel Size sachets too!
