Traveling, or being away from home for an extended time, can be a great way to explore new places, experience different cultures, or help a loved one in need. But it can also affect your physical and mental health if you don’t follow a daily routine. Studies have shown that having a daily routine while traveling is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. It helps you stay active, eat healthily, get enough sleep, and stay connected with the people around you. It also helps reduce stress levels, often higher when you’re on the go. In this article, we will explore some benefits of sticking to a daily routine while away from home and share some studies that support this idea.
Helps with Jetlag
Jetlag is a common phenomenon experienced by travelers, and it can significantly affect the body’s circadian rhythms, leading to difficulty sleeping, digestive issues, and other symptoms. Sticking to a regular sleep and meal schedule, even when in a new time zone, can help reduce the effects of jetlag. A study published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms found that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help reduce the effects of jetlag and improve alertness and performance during the day. What works for me is starting on the first leg of a trip, eating my regular breakfast, and then viewing a Sunrise and Sunset helps me “reset my clock”.
Reduces Stress
Traveling can be stressful, with all the planning, packing, and unexpected events that can happen. Sticking to a daily routine can help reduce stress levels by providing a sense of structure and familiarity. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people with a daily routine experience less stress than those who don’t have a routine.
Improves Digestive Health
Traveling can often mean eating unfamiliar foods and eating at irregular times. This can lead to digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Maintaining a regular meal schedule and eating healthy, even while traveling, can help improve digestive health. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that maintaining regular meal times can improve digestive health and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
Helps with Exercise
Maintaining an exercise routine while away can be challenging but essential for overall health and well-being. Maintaining a daily routine can help you prioritize exercise and make time for it in your schedule. A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that travelers who exercised regularly during their trip experienced less fatigue and improved mood compared to those who didn’t exercise.
Boosts Productivity
Sticking to a daily routine can also help improve productivity. Having a schedule for work, exercise, and leisure activities allows you to maximize your time and make the most of your trip. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who stick to a daily routine are more productive and efficient than those who don’t have a routine.
Tips for Sticking to a Daily Routine
Of course, there will be times when you can’t stick to your daily routine perfectly. But if you prioritize it, you’ll find it much easier to stay healthy and feel good, even while you’re away from home. Here are some tips to help you maintain healthy habits while on the go:
Plan Ahead
Before you travel, take some time to plan out your schedule for the trip. This can include your flight times, meal times, exercise routines, and leisure activities. Having a plan in place can help you stay organized and make the most of your time.
Bring Healthy Familiar Snacks
Bringing healthy familiar snacks such as fruits, nuts, and protein bars can help you avoid unhealthy snacks while on the go. These snacks can also help you maintain energy levels throughout the day while sticking with foods your body is familiar with.
Make Time for Exercise
Try to make time for exercise each day. This can include walking, yoga, or even a quick workout in your hotel room. I’m a first-thing-in-the-morning workout person. I get up, exercise, shower, and then eat breakfast. Not following this routine makes my day feel off.
Stay Hydrated
Traveling can dehydrate, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential. Bringing a reusable water bottle can help you stay hydrated and reduce the need to buy bottled water. I found that by bringing my own water, I stopped buying unnecessary sodas, energy drinks, or juices.
Sticking to a daily routine while traveling can be challenging, but it’s worth it. By following these tips, you can stay healthy and feel good, even while on vacation or away from home.
