Holiday Travel Tips

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year! That is unless you’re traveling, of course. The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times and can be overwhelming and frustrating. Here are our tips to remember to make your holiday travel easier.

BY PLANE…

Whether you are hauling your bags across the airport or lifting them up and down, holiday travel can put stress on your back. If you are going on a long trip, checking your bags will be well worth it. Keep your carry-on bag as light as possible, and remember to lift with your legs, not with your back.

When you have a long flight, be sure to get up and walk around to stretch your legs and back. You can stroll up and down the aisles to restore circulation to your lets and arms. We’re all aware that coach seats aren’t the most comfortable, so give your legs a mini-massage every now and then. You can also rock your feet back and forth from heel to toe to get some in-flight exercise. Even scrunching your toes and then releasing them will help you let go of stress.

BY AUTOMOBILE…

Whether you are traveling near or far, you are bound to face come holiday traffic once you’re on the road. Begin your trip by dressing comfortably. Loose clothing permits you to move with ease and do small stretches (like shoulder rolls) while you’re driving. To reduce and prevent back pain, be sure to have some ergonomic support. No need to get fancy - this can be accomplished with a small pillow or rolled up towel.

Perhaps most importantly, get plenty of rest the day before driving. If you feel tired, make sure you stop and get a refreshment and stretch your body. And there’s no shame in calling it a night and checking in to a hotel if it’s just too long of a drive. The most important thing on the road is getting to your destination safely!

BEAT TRAVEL BLUES

Traveling can be tough on your body, particularly during the holidays. To make things less stressful, prepare your body as best as you can. Maintain your regular chiropractic appointments (contact us to schedule an adjustment!) so your body in functioning as it should before your holiday travels begin. Whether you’re dealing with airline stress or facing traffic, there are many difficulties with traveling, and you will surely benefit from a nervous system that is functioning optimally. Nobody wants to suffer from neck or back pain during the holidays, and we can help!