You’ve finally figured out a healthy summer routine for your family. You’re cooking healthy meals, making healthy snacks and making sure that everyone gets plenty of physical activity. Even if you dial in a healthy lifestyle at home, it can be difficult to stay healthy once you take the show on the road. Sitting in a car for extended periods of time, high levels of stress, and greasy fast food are just a few health pitfalls that you have to deal with on long road trips.
But your time on the road doesn’t have to be an unhealthy experience. Have a fun and healthy vacation this summer with these health tips for road trips.
Sitting for extended periods of time
Whether it’s behind the desk or behind the wheel, sitting for extended periods of time is bad for your health. But you’ve got places to go and things to see. What are you supposed to do?
Get the whole family to partake in car yoga/stretces. Take breaks at rest stops to get out and stretch, play, and get some exercise – this will add some time to your trip, but it’s well worth it. Not only is physical activity necessary for good health, but sitting in a cramped car for hours on end will put everyone in a bad mood. Getting up and moving around will help keep the car happy.
Dealing with stress in the car
Stress on road trips can come in many forms: children getting impatient, the driver taking a wrong turn, road rage, etc. It’s important to relax. Take breaks when tensions are running high. Play games or do activities to keep children entertained. Remember that you’re on a vacation, and you’re supposed to have fun. Don’t let something like a missed turn ruin your trip.
On the subject of food
Cheeseburgers and french fries may be quintessential road trip foods, but they’re also bad for you. Look for healthy meal options while on the road, or better yet, plan ahead and prepare food for the trip. Packing a small cooler with healthy road trip snacks and healthy road trip meals will not only limit the amount of junk food your family eats on a long car trip, but it can also help you save money. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all healthy road trip snacks that travel well.
Stay healthy and stay hydrated
Carry water with you, and keep it cold by placing it in the cooler. Staying hydrated is necessary to staying healthy. Packing water will keep you from buying bottles at the gas station or slurping down fizzy soft drinks.
Don’t forget the sunscreen
Yes, you can get a sunburn in the car. Those windows help a little bit, but they don’t completely block ultraviolet radiation. Keep your skin safe and wear sunscreen.
Start fresh and stay alert
Get rest and stay alert while driving. Drowsy driving is incredibly risky. We all know that sleep is important, but some studies show drowsy driving to be as dangerous as drunk driving. Make sure you get plenty of rest the night before driving, and pull over and take a rest if you start to feel tired.