Balanced Traveling with Ayurvedic Tools
- daniellelove13
- Aug 14, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 15, 2022
I just took a memorable family vacation to Italy with my husband and our two sons. Traveling with kids is tough enough but when you are an anxious flyer, it makes traveling a little more difficult.
There is nothing scarier to me than not having my feet on the ground. Flying over the ocean terrifies me to say the least. This was my first international trip where I treated my anxiety with Ayurvedic practices and said goodbye to a prescription.
One of the many reasons, I gravitated towards Ayurveda is because I craved a holistic approach to health. I have spent the last 8 months immersed in the world of Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation. I am fascinated by the teachings. and how they have transformed my thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Learning how to balance my life based on my own inner intelligence is one of the best gifts I could have ever given myself.
Tip #1 - Start the night before
Start the night before with a self abhyanga massage. https://chopra.com/articles/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga Traveling can dry out your skin and dehydrate your body. Make sure to take care of your skin and hydrate the night before. I also recommend using a Nasya oil before the flight. I did not do this and wish I had. Use oils that are dosha balancing for your specific constitution. I used coconut oil but I have this oil on my travel list for next time. https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/vata-massage-oil/?product_sizes=51
Tip #2 - Compression Socks
Compression Socks - a must! I was skeptical about this one but so glad I took Eddy's (my Ayurvedic Practitioner) advice. Compression socks give you a sense of grounding and support. According to Eddy "they mimic the sensation of being swaddled." Plus they reduce the effects of poor circulation and possible clotting especially during a long flight. I will be purchasing a pair for the whole family next travel adventure. They are a win win in my book.
Tip #3 - Eye Mask / Neck Pillow (with essential oil)
Don't forget to shut down your senses with an eye mask and a neck pillow. Bonus - add aromatherapy to your neck pillow for added comfort. I used an essential oil called Travel Companion https://www.amazon.com/WYNDMERE-NATURALS-Travel-Companion-Ounce/dp/B00EG2NOPG. Worked liked a charm but I do recommend using carefully. I may have overdone it on the way there. It does not take much to soothe the soul.
Tip #4 - Binaural Playlists
These sounds are a game changer. In all my efforts in finding relaxing music I had never heard of Binaural until I started working with Eddy. Check out Spotify Binaural Beats: Stress Relief and Binaural Beat: Sleep.
Tip #5 - Pack Ashwaganda, Triphala & Brahmi Oil
These are great travel companions. I used Ashwaganda for the flight and Brahmi oil for the jet lag. I packed Triphala to help with issues with "regularity" but didn't need it. I was told to let your body do the work by doing some yoga with lots of twisting. It worked.
Tip #6- Ditch the wine & sip on warm water
Great advice and you can get warm water anywhere. If you are thinking ahead pack some ginger and lemon tea bags.
Tip #7 - Practice Pranayama every 20 minutes
I found myself breathing deeply but I did not do this every 20 minutes. I also found myself getting distracted after about 3 - 4 rounds. However, this was also a great travel companion for my 10 hour flight. Coherence breathing (deep belly - in for four out for five) is a great tool to have in your toolbox for any event. You should repeat for at least 8 -10 rounds. I encourage you to practice deep breathing not just while traveling but on a daily basis.
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