The holiday season is almost upon us! This time of year can wreak havoc on the body and overall wellness. However, Rodale Wellness has suggestions for travelers to help survive the holidays using natural solutions.
Problems that can occur during travel include weight gain, disrupted sleeping habits, and interference with gut flora. Flying from east to west is a problem because you lose an hour, compared to flying west to east where you gain an hour. Taking a sleeping pill during the flight may make you drowsy, but it isn’t a real solution. Ideas suggested by Rodale Wellness include:
- Melatonin: A chemical made by the human body. Take between 0.5-5 milligrams before bedtime. Avoid brands that advertise a combination of melatonin and other ingredients.
- Caffeine: A stimulant, caffeine stays in the body for five or six hours. So avoid going for that afternoon cup when you feel sleepy.
- Alcohol: The opposite of caffeine, alcohol is a depressant. Try to avoid alcohol, or at least drink less of it, as it can interfere with sleeping soundly at night.
- Temperature: When it’s cooler the temperature signals the body that it’s time for sleep. If possible crack a window open at night to let in a breeze.
- Electronics: Turn off your phone and avoid screens a few hours before you go to bed to allow your brain to calm down.
- Exercise: If you have an exercise routine, try to keep it up when home for the holidays. You can also do meditation or acupressure to unwind.
One key thing that Rodale Wellness advises us not to do is use kava, otherwise known as kava
kava. It’s used as a supplement to treat anxiety. However, there is suspicion that this plant can also cause liver damage. Other supplements to avoid include:
- Hops
- Passionflower
- Wild lettuce
- California poppy
- Skullcap
- Jamaican dogwood
Want to learn more about how you can use natural solutions for holiday travel? Read the full article here: “7 Natural Ways to Survive Holiday Travel”
