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Mind-Body-Travel Connection
July 23rd, 2010
Have you noticed lately that more and more people desperately need a vacation? Have you also noticed that lately the number of complaints and frustrations with traveling seem to be at an all-time high? It’s amazing how something that’s supposed to be so relaxing can be prove more stressful than a day at the office.
I recently wrote a blog on vacation recovery, which covered reminders on pacing yourself when traveling, building in some actual relaxation time, and other suggestions focused primarily on physical stress. It’s equally important, if not more so, that your vacation doesn’t wear you out mentally – especially since for many people the purpose of a vacation is just the opposite.
As someone who’s also worked in the health and fitness field and an practicer of both yoga and meditation, I have a great interest in the mind-body connection, and have seen the benefits (and detriments) at work many times. It’s easy for people behind the airport ticket counter to tell you to “relax” or “calm down” when your flight is delayed and you’re set to miss connection, but they’d probably be just as upset if the shoes were on the other feet. Here are a few ways to help combat the stresses that come with traveling. Some focus on mind/body, some just focus on preventing stressful situations.
*Photo Credit: Kristen Butera, Yoga Teacher and Owner of the YogaLife Institute www.yogalifeinstitute.com
1. Your yoga and/or meditation regimen doesn’t have to stop on vacation. In fact, if you’re an avid practicer, you’ll probably notice it causes more stress to stop your routine while away than to take a few minutes a day, even if to do an abbreviated version. Yoga and meditation can be done virtually anywhere, as they require minimal to no equipment. Several companies make travel yoga mats which can weigh less than 1.5 pounds and are thin so can be easily folded into a carry-on or suitcase. If you use a meditation cd, load it onto your ipod or preferred travel music device. Meditation is a great way to relax (and keep from yelling at your obnoxious seat mate) on the flight. It can also be a mental lifesaver if you tend to not sleep on overnight flights and need something calming to pass the time.
2. Plan ahead, but allow for some flexibility. I’m a planner. It’s what I do for a living. I’m always checked in for my flight 24 hours ahead of time, know what gate I take off and land in, know my connection time down to the minute and study the connecting airport map so I know the shortest route. Once I have the big things out of the way with, though, I have finally learned to give myself (and others traveling with me) a bit of leeway. People take vacations for a variety of reasons – to see a foreign city, immerse in the culture, attend a big event, or just lie on the beach with an umbrella adorned drink. Never have I heard someone say they’re taking a vacation to increase their stress level. In travel, as with everything else, nothing is guaranteed. If you need everything orchestrated perfectly down to the minute, I promise you will be disappointed. Next time you travel, take even a few hours to not plan something and do whatever comes to mind at the moment. I suspect it will be come as a relief to realize that it’s actually enjoyable!
3. Journal. Even if you’re not traditionally a writer, keeping a travel journal can be both rewarding. Journaling is a nice way to unwind at the end of the day, which can help your mind ease and help sleep come more easily – a task that can be challenging with time zone changes. It doesn’t have to be nobel-prize-winning literature, just an outlet to get out your thoughts. It doesn’t even have to be fluid. Just jot down some things that you did, your impressions of your trip so far and anything else that comes to mind Secondly, it helps you relive the fun moments throughout the day, and going to bed with in a better mood can certainly help your sleep and your mood the following morning. Note: if something happened during the day that really stressed you out and you feel writing about it will add to that stress, you don’t have to include it. The point of this type of writing is not to create a completely factual account of each day, it’s to clear out your mind after a lot of stimulation that comes from visiting a new (or less familiar) destination. Finally, the journal provides a walk down memory lane in the future and a source of details when telling others about the trip.
4. Put someone else in charge. I know, dreaded words for many people, including myself. This doesn’t have to be for the whole trip, or even a major part the trip. If just for a day, or a few hours, letting someone else deal with the planning, details and logistics can allow you to mentally let go. Make sure to pick the right person for the job – if you’re traveling with someone who constantly gets lost, don’t let them take the reigns on leading the way, or your concern of getting lost will overpower any relief you get from relinquishing control.
5. Take pictures or video. Taking pictures or video allows you to focus on what’s right in front of you and live in the moment, which pushes stressors out of your mind, or at least on the back burner. Just make sure that getting the perfect shot doesn’t take over your trip. I’ve seen people so bent on getting certain pictures that they don’t get to enjoy and experience the surroundings they’re so intent on capturing with the camera.
3 Responses to “Mind-Body-Travel Connection”
Brain, Mind, and the Structure of Reality…
This is great! I’ve added this to my blog (trackbak) if you don’t mind? Let me know if you do….
[...] from: Chimera Travel » Blog Archive » Mind-Body-Travel Connection By admin | category: body | tags: body, charles, crimes-prosecutor, deadly-raid, [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Maureen Dunn, Maya Northen. Maya Northen said: The mind-body-travel connection: http://bit.ly/a5482h First photo courtesy of Kristen Butera of YogaLife Institute – thanks Kristen! [...]