Staying Healthy While Traveling

The constant traveler, who tours different countries

across different time zones are faced with a lot of

stressors which may contribute to the degradation of

the optimal health status. An undetected and

unsuspected lenience on traveling across time zones

may also lead to affected psychosocial behavior

because of the new places and environmental stimuli

that are bombarded on the different senses of the

body. Staying healthy while traveling is a key factor

wherein the traveler should maintain a high state of

wellness to prevent complications towards illnesses

after his trip.



Jetlag Blues



The most common effect of constant traveling across

different time zones is the jetlag. It is defined as

the feeling of an individual of having similar

symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and general

irritability caused by a tired mind. The new

environment and the new culture, as well as the new

body clock system may distort the normal time for rest

of an individual. This would cause consistent stress

on the body functions, resulting to an inefficient

output of energy by the different organs which are

dependent on day and night settings.



A jetlag is commonly experienced a few days at max by

a traveler until such time that internal homeostasis

is achieved by manually calibrating sleep and dietary

patterns with the new place.



Dehydration Is One Of The Main Culprit



Another reason which causes discomfort on a traveler

such as headaches and nausea are caused by dehydration

during the flight. Even if the traveler has not done

any strenuous work inside an aircraft, the mere

duration of the flight is enough to deprive the human

body of enough water and fluids to maintain efficient

hydration. Furthermore, the different pressure changes

happening to the internal cabin also affect the body

functions and metabolic speeds, and therefore the

consumption of fluids inside the body.



It is advisable to drink constantly throughout the

flight with clear water to keep the body hydrated and

supplied. As dehydration sets in, the flow of blood is

slowed down. This blood is essential to carry oxygen

to the different parts of the body, especially to the

brain. A lack of oxygen supply would result therefore

in a more irritable personality, and also a sleepy

feeling due to the lack of oxygen and increase of

carbon dioxide instead. Sleep, Sleep, And Sleep



One of the most effective ways to combat the effects

of traveling such as jetlag and disorientation is to

sleep well before the flight, during the flight, and

after the flight. It is also advisable to prioritize

this sleeping habit and start with the work itinerary

on the succeeding day. In this manner, the traveler is

not subjected to stressors that may add up to the

adjustment period and disorientation of the self due

to the new environment.



Many would say that too much sleep may not serve the

individual good. However, the more sleep and fuller

rest of the person, the better chances that he would

be able to think and function with efficiency as soon

as he is ready to work or perform the itinerary for

the day.



Staying healthy while traveling is a daunting task to

look after and maintain as there is almost no

guarantee that jetlag would not occur to some minor

extent at least. Nevertheless, prevention and

heightening of its measure to inhibit its

manifestation on travelers is vital for health