The best part about road trips is seeing your country from the back seat of a car. It gives you a new perspective on how small we are in the grand scheme of life.
For those driving, the experience can be less than spiritually transformative. Lack of sleep, fatigue and depleted energy put a damper on things. Fortunately, there are things you can do to enjoy the wide, open road.
You don’t have to be on a road trip to experience travel fatigue. Travel disruptions to your routine can cause fatigue. The biggest telltale signs are exhaustion and lethargy.
Some people suffering from the condition prefer natural or homeopathic remedies.
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#1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is the simple answer to staying hydrated. Unfortunately, people behind the wheel often neglect to do so because they honestly forget to.
Water accounts for 55 to 65% of our total body mass. The Conversation describes dehydration as the body’s ecosystem being thrown out of whack. Water is essential in the bigger scheme of things as it:
- Transports nutrients
- Forms part of the joint system
- Provides an environment for normal chemical processes to occur
Any loss in body water between 5 and 10% is symptomatic of dehydration. You could be dehydrated if you experience headaches, fatigue or a dry mouth.
The publication advises drinking liquids before you feel thirsty. If on the long road, mix up an oral rehydration solution. Also, create a habit of intentionally drinking water instead of other fizzy drinks or juices.
#2. CBD Products
CBD (cannabidiol) is a key component of medical marijuana, derived from the hemp plant, and should not be confused with THC. Legally obtainable in most U.S. states, CBD has varying degrees of restriction.
CBD is used to treat anxiety, inflammation, and chronic pain, and is praised for its health benefits.
While traveling, your sleep patterns are disturbed, leading to people suffering from insomnia. Those who use CBD say it helps with falling asleep, and it’s even been known to improve concentration.
#3. A Touch of Green
Cannabis connoisseurs are particularly picky about traveling with their gear. Depending on where you’re heading, be sure to know what the laws state on medical and recreational cannabis use.
Medical marijuana is legal in 38 states, and recreational marijuana is legal in 24 states. Even when traveling in a legal state, you should not carry gear that attracts attention.
Premium Gram Slam vapes are easily transportable, discreet and consumed in vape form.
Like CBD oil, the premium oil relieves stress and chronic pain. The big difference is that cannabis oil contains THC, creating a natural high. Do not consume while driving or as a passenger due to the potent effects.
Sluggers Hit suggests that, when traveling, you should purchase a pre-filled cannabis disposable vape designed for a single-use vaping experience.
#4. Highway Hypnosis
Experienced drivers know the feeling of driving from point A to B and not remembering how they got there. Yes, you’re aware of your surroundings but drive safely in an altered mental state. It’s called highway hypnosis.
Tapping into the autopilot mode enables people to drive long stretches. Hypnotherapist Stuart Robertson suggests that reaction times might be quicker as the subconscious is more engaged with the surrounding environment.
However, experts suggest practicing it with caution as most drivers in a hypnotic state are fatigued. Instead, chat with fellow passengers, play some tunes and take regular breaks.
#5. Car Yoga
There’s nothing like staying active to get the blood circulating. You may not be close to a gym but that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from exercising.
Stretching exercises are essential for relieving muscle stiffness. Celebrity yoga and holistic wellness expert Anshuka Parwani suggests yoga asanas.
She uses the Seated Pigeon Pose as an example. Stretch the muscles of your thighs by folding a leg and placing it on the thigh of the other leg. Then, fold that leg as well and put it on the seat. Repeat with the other leg a few seconds later.
#6. Take Short Walks
For a quick burst of energy, try taking a walk. You could do this while on a pitstop. Simple activities like stretching your limbs or doing a few jumping jacks make a world of difference.
Experts agree, claiming “micro-walks” could be more beneficial than long walks. A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that people who walked in 10 to 30-second stints used more energy and burned more calories.
#7. Treat Yourself to a Massage
Self-care is important, especially when you are on driver’s duty. Prioritizing your mental and physical well-being can be a welcome break from the mundane.
Naturally, you’ll start experiencing muscle soreness and stiffness after spending hours on the road. A full body massage may be just what the doctor ordered once you reach your destination.
Massage therapy helps reduce stress, and anxiety and restores concentration and focus.
#8. Take Naps
The restorative powers of a nap are often overlooked. Mayo Clinic explains napping has numerous benefits, from alertness to improved mood and increased memory function.
To get the most from your nap, keep them short, ideally 20 to 30 minutes. The best time to nap is in the early afternoon and choose a quiet, dark place to get in your zzz.
#9. Eat Well
A well-balanced diet plays a huge part in beating road trip fatigue. However, don’t expect that you can achieve it by eating out.
Pack fresh, healthy road trip snacks that are easy to eat while on the go. Also, eat a light meal before getting behind the wheel. It’s easy to deviate from a healthy diet when on the road, but try to avoid fast food and large meals.
#10. Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks are not only meant for long-haul flights. Their main purpose is to prevent blood clots by squeezing the ankles and gradually decreasing the pressure further up the leg.
The squeezing action forces blood in the legs to return to the heart.
And here you thought embarking on a road trip was a matter of getting behind the wheel, turning on the ignition and driving. It takes careful planning and knowing when to take action before fatigue sets in.
Take your cues from your body; stay hydrated and do stretching exercises to prevent stiffness and body aches.
