I just got back from an inspiring and heart-opening weekend in Portland, OR at World Domination Summit.
Spending time with people determined to make a difference in the world reminds me that I’m part of a bigger family and that the work we’re doing together – across the globe – is important and changes lives every day. (If the words “Community, Adventure, Service” speak to you, definitely give WDS a look.)
But it’s easy to lose sight of your center when you travel. And even easier to let go of healthy habits.
If I’m not paying attention, the things that allow me to be comfortable in my body and fully present in each moment go waaaayyyyyy off the rails.
And while I’m all for relaxing into the adventure of exploring new places and eating new things, I don’t love feeling so out of balance that I can’t enjoy the ride.
Over the years, I’ve learned to combine traveling for adventure with staying on top of the healthy habits that keep me centered… even in places as far-flung as Cambodia, China, and Indonesia.
Here are a few things that are always in my suitcase, no matter where I’m headed.
- Greens drink I’m a little obsessive about eating dark leafy greens every day. (You should be too. Here’s why.) Fresh greens rock the body best, but I adore Amazing Grass Chocolate Greens drink when I can’t get any. I take it – along with a small plastic cup with a lid – on every trip. Just add almond milk or water, shake and drink.
- Healthy snacks If Snack-Girl.com founder Lisa Cain hadn’t already claimed the title, I might call myself Snack Girl. I’m a grazer; eating small meals or snacks every few hours is a way of life for me. When I travel, I load up my suitcase with portable snacks – like fruit and nut bars (Larabars are still my favorite), small bags of nuts, or sturdy fruit like apples and bananas. That way, I’m in control of what goes in my body when my blood sugar drops; and I can make a conscious decision – instead of a “hangry” one – about that ginormous scoop of gelato. (With gelato in Italy, the answer is “yes” 99% of the time.)
- Portable exercise Cranky-ville isn’t far off if I don’t move my body in some way nearly every day. Running shoes are a must when I travel, even if just for walks on the beach. And my iPad or MacBook step in as personal trainer when I stream classes from YogaGlo or Daily Burn. (I hate the gym, so YogaGlo and Daily Burn get as much play at home as they do on the road.)
- Ear plugs I’m a light sleeper. If I don’t sleep, everything sucks. I love Mac’s Pillowsoft Earplugs. They’re comfortable to sleep in and they block just enough noise to let you sleep, but not so much that you’ll sleep through your alarm. Most drugstore chains have generic versions that are less expensive, and work just as well in most cases.
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You can only control so much when you travel, though. Packing a playful and relaxed attitude helps you roll with it when your only choice for breakfast is a chocolate croissant.
And because you’ve got these other four things in your bag (and have used them), your body will bounce back quickly.
Eat the croissant (send me one!). And savor every bite.
