Whether you are a frequent flyer for work, vacation, or if you travel in a car for hours at a time, our bodies (no matter how young) can get stiff and uncomfortable. Here are a few things to help keep you (and your family) feeling OK while you travel.
Stop & Stand - When traveling in a car, it's good to stop about once an hour or so just to stand and stretch. If you have little ones who are sacked out, stopping might wake them up so you can push it maybe to one and a half to two hours, but, stopping and taking a break is important for drivers and passengers. First, little ones who are potty trained need to have stops to use the restroom and adults need to move to avoid circulation (blood clots) and swelling issues. ***On a plane, it's good to move around more often if you can.
Keep Your Feet Moving - Even while you are seated, move your feet around often. Tap your toes for 30 to 60 seconds and squeeze your calf muscles. If you get leg cramps in your calves, remember to point your "toes toward your nose" and this will help the cramp stop sooner.
Twist It Out - It's good to twist your torso every so often as well. Stretching your back will help it keep from getting stiff and it will keep your range of motion working well.
Roll It - Roll your head slowly to the right and then the left a few times, roll your shoulders slowly backwards and forwards and roll your ankles and wrists as well. This helps keep your joints from getting too stiff and also can be very relaxing when you are travelling.
Walk It Out - Of course when you can, walk a bit when you stop or if you are on a plane, walk every half hour or so. A walk is relaxing and just good for the body and soul.
Bottom line: Keep your body moving when you can to help it not ache, swell or be as stiff when you travel. Plus, it's good for your kids to let some energy loose so they won't keep asking "Are we there yet?"! --Jen Lush
This blog was inspired by an article in The Week May 10, 2019.
Photo Credit: jeshoots.com
