I get it. Maintaining a self-care practice while on the road can feel challenging. There are so many activities to do, sights to see, and yummy foods to enjoy. Quite often, caring for ourselves falls by the wayside.
Sure, it can be fun in the moment to really let loose and forget the rituals we worked so diligently to create – but where does that leave us when we return home?
Here are some tips to help keep your self-care game healthy while on the road. Trust me; you won’t miss out on a thing (unless you want to, of course!)
Before we dive into my helpful self-care travel checklist, I want to differentiate between self-care and self-indulgence.
To me, self-care can come in many forms. It can be found both in the small moments we dedicate to a few deep breaths and in the bigger moments we have to stand our ground and say No.
I think it’s easy to mix-up self care and self indulgence, especially we’re out globetrotting. Indulging in the local cuisine until your pants pop is not self-care. That’s just livin’, baby!
The type of self care I am encouraging you to practice while on the road is centered around the practices that help keep you sane. These practices allow you to be fully present in the moment and to create beautiful memories. They empower you to be mindful of your time (it is limited while traveling, right?) and truly listen to what you and/or your travel companions want to do.
With these easy-to-implement practices, you’ll not only take care of yourself while traveling, but your transition back home won’t seem as daunting.
First and foremost – it’s essential to take a few moments to think about how you want to feel during your time away. We take vacations for different reasons, so getting clear with the intention of the trip is an important first step.
This step can include thinking about the non-physical forms of self-care that you’d like to practice. Here are some examples:
From there, think about your creature comforts. What can you not live without? Find a way to bring those pieces of home along (only if they’re legal 😉 ) in the most travel-friendly way possible.
Discover my favorite travel suitcase from Away!
Then, make a list of the daily items you use to care for your health and wellbeing. These items could be supplements, essential oils, protein powders, your yoga mat, etc. Everyone’s list will look different, and your list will change depending on your destination!
And, last but not least, bring along a few things that will make you feel extra comfortable. For me, that comes in the form of a portable sound machine and my doTERRA Lumo diffuser.
If you’re traveling domestically, this bottle of cbd-based joy is an absolute no-brainer. Having Soul Addict in my travel bag helps me to deal with anxious feelings, upset stomachs, and any jet lag that might be affecting me. Trust me when I say, this baby is always stashed in my bag.
Just 15 drops under my tongue and I am good to go!
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It’s a fact that airports are filled with nasty germs. Is it just me or does everyone leave the airplane with a bit of a sniffle? I make sure to have my small-but-mighty arsenal of doTERRA essential oils with me at all times while on the road.
OnGuard is a proprietary blend that’s proven to fight unwanted nastiness that commonly comes with travel.
My essential oil travel must-haves are:
In addition to my OnGuard army, I carry DigestZen to encourage regularity and to help de-bloat. Plus, this oil helps to soothe any unwanted tummy troubles that commonly come with trying new food while traveling!
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You might think this is crazy sounding, but I am a big fan of using a sheet mask while flying (especially if you’re on a red-eye flight!). Do you ever notice how dry your skin is after flying? That’s because you lose a lot of moisture by traveling 30,000 feet in the air. Using a sheet mask will help to put moisture back into your skin.
My favorite sheet mask is by BareMe Beauty because it’s dry so you aren’t dealing with a goopy mess and reusable up to three times. It also has convenient ear hooks, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding off of your face!
I got back into meditation after a few (okay, eight) months of falling out of my routine. I’m excited to continue this daily practice while traveling to maintain a sense of presence and invite in calm.
If you’re new to meditation and don’t know where to start, I recommend the Headspace app! Through daily guided meditations, you’ll learn the basic concepts and challenge your mind every time you hit play.
Once you start, you’ll be amazed at what an impact just five to ten minutes a day can make!
Okay, this is the ultimate way to care for yourself while traveling without spending a dime.
If you’re struggling with jet lag or adjusting to a new time zone, this simple practice can help to reset and encourage circulation throughout the body. When I’m fresh off of a red-eye, this is the first thing I do the moment I get a chance.
Above all, remember to take a moment and think about how you want your travel to look and feel. This small extra step will help to ensure you don’t come home with regrets.
Remember, it’s okay to say No and to decline invitations politely.
It’s okay not to see every single sight that was on your to-do list.
It’s okay to take naps and rest breaks when you’re feeling exhausted.
What’s most important is that you’re in the moment and doing what is important to you and those you’re traveling alongside.
Also, I highly encourage grabbing a travel journal and spending some time each day reflecting and remembering special moments. It’s a lovely way to look back on the time you spent away from home!
What’s your favorite way to care for yourself while on the road?Any new practices you’re excited to try?
xo –
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