There is no question that 2020 has been stressful for almost everyone. While we won’t get into the major effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected millions of people in different ways, we do want to talk about how it has impacted travel.
Since the beginning of March, the travel industry in the U.S. alone has seen a loss of over $300 billion. Other countries across the globe have taken similar hits.
Now, thankfully, restrictions are starting to loosen across different areas, and with the right precautions in place, people are starting to travel once again.
While it’s still an uncertain time and traveling isn’t what it once was, it’s nice to think that it’s possible to see the world and stay safe. Hopefully, these trends will continue in a positive direction, so we all can eventually get back to normal.
If you do decide to travel in the near future, it’s more important than ever to stay healthy. With the pandemic still impacting much of the world, taking care of yourself both before and during your travels is essential.
So, what can you do to give your immune system a boost before you travel somewhere? How can you make sure you’re as healthy as possible before you head to your destination? Let’s look at a few tips that can reduce your chances of getting sick while you’re away from home.
- Practice a Healthy Lifestyle
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your immune system strong is to live a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. This is a good rule of thumb all the time, but especially before you travel.
It might sound easy, but it often ends up being easier said than done for some people. What does it mean to live a healthy life?
The three basics of a healthy lifestyle include:
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating right
- Exercising regularly
Far too many people don’t get enough rest each night. Unfortunately, that can contribute to illness. Getting enough sleep can boost your immune system, give you more energy, and strengthen your heart. Set a nightly routine to help you get in the right “mode” for a good night’s sleep, and aim for 7-8 hours every night.
Eating right isn’t always easy, but it’s one of your best lines of defense against getting sick. Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits and vegetables, will work with your body’s natural defenses to fight off illnesses.
Exercising is also a great way to boost your immunity. Not only can it help to flush bacteria out of your lungs, but it can boost the number of disease-fighting white blood cells in your body.
When you commit to a healthy lifestyle all the time, you won’t have to worry as much about making drastic changes right before you travel.
- Take Supplements
Although a healthy diet is important, it can be difficult to always get the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Certain vitamins and minerals are required for everything from keeping your heart healthy to making it easier to see.
If you don’t feel as though your diet is giving you the nutrients you need, taking daily supplements can help to fill those gaps.
Vitamin C often gets the most attention when people think about how to protect their immune systems, and there is a good reason for that. Vitamin C helps to boost the production of white blood cells in your body. Vitamin D also shouldn’t be overlooked as an immune booster. It can reduce your risk of catching common illnesses like a cold or the flu. It’s even more important to take a Vitamin D supplement in the cold, winter months when there isn’t as much sunlight.
Natural supplements are perfectly safe, and if you start to take them on a daily basis you could notice a difference in your energy levels, as well as your overall, general wellness. If you don’t want to take a variety of supplements, consider a multi-vitamin that has almost everything your body needs in one convenient capsule.
- Manage Your Stress
It’s fairly safe to say that this year has been more stressful than most. While a little stress isn’t problematic, feeling overwhelmed by it can weaken your immune system and even lead to mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Managing your stress might be another one of those things that seem easier said than done. But, there are ways to keep the symptoms of stress at bay every day, so your mind and body can remain healthy and strong.
One of the easiest ways to keep your stress in check is to practice mindfulness. This word has gotten a lot of traction in recent years. But, it’s more than just a “buzz” word, it’s a technique that is incredibly effective.
Mindfulness is simply the practice of focusing on the present without letting your thoughts drift to the past or future. Closely related to meditation, you can practice mindfulness at any time by closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing. Let any thoughts that come to you pass by without holding on to them.
By staying in the present and concentrating on your breath, the things that were causing you stress will start to dissipate.
Staying Healthy While You’re Away
The great thing about all of these immune-boosting tips is that they are lifestyle changes, rather than quick fixes. You can start to make them habits immediately, and you obviously don’t have to stop doing them on your trip. You should make them a priority every day, whether you’re at home or halfway across the world.
As you prepare to travel again for what could be the first time in months, make sure you are making your health and your immune system a priority. In doing so, you’ll reduce your risk of getting sick, so you can continue to travel freely and safely.