How to Stay Healthy Before (And During) a Vacation
There’s a really funny meme that’s circulating lately that goes:
Before I had kids, I thought I had a great immune system. Turns out I was just really good at staying away from the type of people who sneeze directly into your eyeballs while telling a story.
Kids are so gross! I’ve never had the best immune system, but since becoming a mom it seems like I’m always sick between the months of September and May. It’s not fun. I also always seem to get sick when we travel. And we travel a lot! Before our big cruise in January, I made a long list of things to do to (try) and keep my family healthy before we set sail. And guess what – it worked! We actually stayed well during the entire trip! But I DID get sick the day after we got home. (Ridiculous, right?) I’ll share my list below, but please remember – I’m not a doctor and you should consult with your primary care doctor before taking any medicine or supplements.
The Ultimate List of How to Stay Healthy Before (And During) a Vacation:
Here are the things I did leading up to the trip to keep us well:
- Become hermits. Only go places if you absolutely have to.
- Wash your hands as soon as you enter your home.
- Use hand sanitizer as soon as you enter your car.
- Use Flonase or other allergy medicines. These can help prevent sinus infections.
- Take Elderberry. It can help to protect you from getting the flu.
- Take Vitamin D3, B12, and Vitamin C. All are said to be great for boosting immunity.
- Take a Magnesium supplement in the evening like Calm. Magnesium has been said to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Take a daily probiotic. A healthy gut is so important for staying well.
- Run essential oils in a diffuser.
- Run an air purifier.
- Try a few other options for purifying the air in your home, like a salt lamp, bamboo charcoal, or a houseplant.
- Use a Neti-Pot.
- Make sure to eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, and get plenty of rest and exercise.
- Take a spoonful of raw region-specific honey each day.
- Drink water with lemon and ginger.
- Keep hand sanitizer in your purse, in your car, and in your home entryway. Use as much as you can!
- Try not to stress out about the trip. Use CBD oil to keep calm.
Spray with Disinfectant Spray Daily:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Remotes
- Phones
- iPads
- All cabinet handles in the kitchen and bathroom
- Computer keyboard
- Couches and chairs
- Laundry baskets
- Car door handles – inside and out
- Car seats
- Steering wheels
- Garage door opener buttons
- Buttons on the car console
- Bookbags
- Lunchboxes
- Trashcans
- Any other surfaces that get touched often
Every other day:
- Change out the bathroom and kitchen towels
- Run pillows in the drier
- Wash throw blankets
At least once a few days before you travel:
- Wash comforters
- Change sheets
While You’re Traveling:
- If you’re traveling by car, use hand sanitizer after each pit stop.
- If you’re traveling by plane, use hand sanitizer after going through security, before eating or drinking anything, and after you get off the plane.
- Wipe down all surfaces on the plane around you with travel Clorox wipes.
- Consider wearing a mask on the plane.
When you arrive at your hotel:
- Spray down all door handles, remotes, cabinet handles, drawer handles, and light switches with a travel-sized disinfectant spray.
- Wipe down surfaces with travel Clorox wipes.
- Consider bringing your own pillowcase and pillow from home to use during your stay.
Make sure to check out my Amazon Store for more ideas of things to keep your family healthy!
What are some things you do to keep your family well for vacations?
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