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Everything You Need to Prep for Holiday Travel
Whether you’re the one hosting or you’ve got a few cross-country planes to catch, travel is a staple of the holidays, as much as cookies or exchanging gifts (just think about all the holiday high jinks movies in which getting to the destination is the entire premise). With this heightened surge of travel, the chance of getting sick is also top of mind. While we might not be able to keep track of every pathogen out there, it’s important to take care of our immune systems on the go. Most importantly, preventative care is a year-round practice; use these immune-system-loving tips any time you travel and even institute them into your weekly routine to keep your immune health in tip-top shape.
SET THE ZZZ MOOD
Whether it’s a new hotel bed or a childhood twin bed or someone’s less-than-comfy futon—sleeping away from home can be tough. During sleep, the body releases proteins called cytokines that help with inflammation and protect against infection, so sleep is a cornerstone of a healthy immune system (among other obvious reasons it’s important like regulating mood and your biological clock). While you might not be able to have the ideal sleeping arrangements, one way to fall asleep easier is to set the mood with your senses. Some sleep experts suggest lighting a candle (or turning on a diffuser) that smells like home no matter where you are in the world to activate your brain for rest. This trick will help you catch those z’s faster than staring at your teenage posters. Classic scents that soothe include lavender, rose, and neroli.
ENJOY STAYING WELL
There’s plenty of joy and indulgences happening all around during this time of year, but have you considered making your immune support routine equally as enjoyable? That was part of the inspiration behind Hydration Multiplier+ (Link opens in new window.) Immune Support in Wild Berry Blend. It’s got the power of the Immune Support you love, with the added benefit of tasting like fresh-picked strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. It’s a lush, vibrant flavor that helps you hydrate 2x faster than water alone while you’re catching flights and on the move in general. The high-performing formulation includes 5x the daily value of Vitamin C, combined with Zinc and BetaVia™ designed to support a healthy immune system and helps support upper respiratory tract health
PUMP AT THE POOL
This tip might only be pertinent for those going to tropical locales, if you’re into cold plunges, or if you have access to a heated pool, but above all—seek bodies of water. While swimming, the water helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, a vital component in the network of the immune system. To up the workout ante, pack deflated aqua dumbbells in your carry-on, or try a modern twist on water aerobics.
COMMIT TO BREAKFAST
It might sound cliché, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It sets up many biochemical cascades and regulates blood sugar after your eight-hour fast. While travelling—especially during the holidays where last night’s turkey dinner or pastries abound as the a.m. options—your first meal of the day might be your only shot at squeezing in nutrition. Rollercoaster blood sugar levels can be inflammatory which isn’t great for the immune system; counteract that with eating whole, real food. So if someone hands you something greasy or a frosted baked good that’s been in your family for generations, you can happily partake. But also, be sure to include something with healthy fats, whole grains and fiber, and plenty of protein. The less processed, the better.