It was important to me to continue the healthy routines and habits I had developed at home. It didn’t work out quite that way.
So much poutine. So much poutine. Curry’s served with nan with deep-fried everything. It always seemed better to try new fast foods than to try a different type of vegetable. And sugary drinks were more appealing to drink than water in order to avoid dehydration.
One by one, the healthy habits that I had so diligently built began to fall away. My morning yoga was often pushed aside because I was in a hurry to catch a train. I did not stay long enough in one place to be able to purchase a gym membership. The idea of doing sit-ups at my hostel rather than exploring was not appealing. It was good that I walked so much. It was hard to find a place to swim or to rent a bicycle.
Why was it so important for me to stay healthy? In my teens, I was diagnosed as having Chronic Fever Syndrome. It took me many years to find help at a holistic clinic. I wanted to be healthy while traveling, not only because I didn’t wish to go home with a chubby stomach but also because I knew it was important to me that I stay healthy.
After several years of living the digital nomad lifestyle, I was able maintain my healthy habits while on the road. With a little bit of creativity, willpower and experimentation, I was able to find some rules that worked for me.
Here are my best tips for yogi travelers to stay healthy.
Exercise
Take advantage of walking.
On average, I walk 20km per day when I travel. You can explore a city on foot if you are in a big city. In the countryside, enjoy the scenery and go for a walk. There are also walking tours available in major cities around the globe. This will not only help you to stay healthy, but also give you a chance to discover more about the city you’re in.
Free Running
You can run anywhere you want if you have a pair running shoes. It’s not the best form of exercise, but I don’t care. You don’t even need a swimmable body of water or a bicycle to do this. This is a great way to explore a new place, especially if your time is limited.
Yoga is also free.
You can do pilates or pushups or sit-ups or anything you like on an exercise mat. You don’t want stay indoors? You can work out in a park. Enjoy the weather while getting your exercise fix.
Open water is the goal.
You can exercise if you live near the sea, ocean or an outdoor pool. You can…swim. You can also take up cool water sports such as a paddle board lesson or explore a new place with a Kayak. Beach bums can get more active by doing something other than tanning on the beach and drinking mojitos.
Take a cycling tour.
Cycling is a great way to get in some cardio. Studies show that those who bike commute are healthier than drivers or walkers. Instead of driving to work, you can take a trip to a cool place or enjoy a wine-tasting experience!
Hike.
Hiking is an excellent way to stay active if you enjoy nature. You can do day hikes or multi-day treks. You can spend more time in nature and see parts of the country you wouldn’t otherwise be able to visit if you stayed in a city.
Eating
Cook whenever you can.
Look for kitchens when searching for Airbnbs or hostels. When I travel, I love to visit the local grocery store to see what it’s like. It’s a great way to try new foods and stay healthy.
Select your location based on cuisine.
Is this crazy? I do hope this is not crazy because I have done it a lot. Japan, South East Asia and India have healthier diets than Western Europe or North America. By choosing a “healthier” location, you can eat healthier without even thinking about it.
Don’t drink alcohol every day.
You’ll be so healthy if you visit India, you won’t even find any alcohol! You’ll be constantly bombarded with 20-year-old backpackers in Thailand who want to party on the beach. Balance is the key.
Michael Pollan: “If all else fails, eat food. Eat mostly plants. Not too much.”
Mental Health
Spend some time with others.
You can also meet locals or other travellers on the road. Interacting with others, particularly those doing similar things to you, can help keep you sane.
Practice mindfulness.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you should meditate every day, though it’s great if you can! Mindful activities include taking a stroll in nature, going swimming, or having a hot bath.
Journaling is a great creative activity.
A travel journal can be a great way to document your trip or have something to store in a drawer. Talking to yourself is a great way to be a friend and manage your emotions. Drawing, photography, and other creative pursuits can also help you keep your mind sharp.
Do whatever you love.
You’re probably already doing this. Don’t forget your other interests. Join sports clubs or classes to improve your English abroad. Sign up for dance classes, go to a football match, etc. You can get health benefits even if your hobby is not active (though research shows that physical activity improves both mental and physical health). You can contribute to your mental health by doing anything that makes you happy.
Finding balance is key to staying healthy while traveling. You can eat a new dish, even if the food is fried. Or you can spend some time on your computer rather than exercising. You should balance your eating habits and physical activity by ensuring that you are active most of the time.