Travelling can be fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful when you are on your way to an important business meeting, or you have a lot to do in a short time. The downside of many trips can be that your digestion is out of sync, you exercise frequently, you have a cold, you suffer from dizziness, you have a blocked nose, and you do not get enough sleep. If you want to know more about how you can make the most out of your travel adventures without feeling stress, keep reading.
Ayurveda believes that everything on earth is connected. Health has been achieved by working with the rest of the world around us. According to Ayurveda, travelling means confronting Vata-Dosa. Vata is created by the elements air and ether and is its only moving dosha. So when we travel – especially from an aeroplane – our Vata can be born from fear, which together with other things can lead to anxiety, tension and nervousness. Here are some travel tips for managing your health that anyone can incorporate into their travel routine:
Always Bring Oil
It is dense, nutritious and flexible, which helps balance Vata’s light, dry and rough qualities. Every time I get on a plane, I promise to have a 3-ounce bottle of travel oil – organic avocado or vanilla is a fantastic option – in my carry-on luggage. Before I leave, I take off my shoes, take off the acrylic on my feet and put on my socks (I’ve been known to do this on my chair, and I swear no one has shit in their pants, but you can go to the bathroom if you don’t believe me) and grease my forehead and temples. Oil can help you land once in the air and reward you for your travels.
Avoid Cold Food
You made this appointment because almost all the food you see in an airport could be Vata-notable. Some of Vata’s properties are cold, light, rough, dry and hard. Now, look what you see in an airport snack store – chip, nuts, bars – mostly food that has these properties. When travelling, it is perfect for eating until departure and making an effort to get on the plane immediately.
Meditate During Take-Off
Meditation during take-off is a great way to balance the body and mind’s freedom of movement in the ether. I usually do one of my daily 20-minute meditations, or maybe you could try a meditation of the body breathing and focus on how your breath enters and exits. Take the opportunity to continue to help you find peace and balance in your body and mind for a safe journey.
