Travel Healthy by car
TIPS for smooth TRIPS

Hints from an Herbalist Mom

Family vacations and getaways can be great fun, and are the memory-makers of childhood. But let's face it: there's no such thing as a stress-free trip with children. Changes in our routine can make us humans quite anxious. Here are some valuable hints, some of them learned the hard way, to help smooth the bumps in your road this summer.

1. Take 15 minutes to stretch thoroughly before you get in the car: Especially stretch your spine, neck, shoulders and legs. For added benefit, breathe slowly and deeply through your nose.

2. Exercise while you drive:

• Shoulders & chest: arch & slump, roll shoulders forward & back,

• Neck: Press chin to chest. Roll neck side to side slowly, keeping your eyes on the road.

• Low back: wiggle hips slowly in seat. Lean left and right 5 breaths-worth each side.

• Ankles: put on the cruise control. Lift ankles (point & flex)

• Fingers can get very tight holding the steering wheel. Move them often.

• Face: Driving is a perfect time to give facial muscles a workout. Open jaw wide, screw up nose, mouth, raise eyebrows. You'll look younger when you arrive, and, well, it's something to DO!

3. Open the windows every 20 minutes or so: Fresh air is revitalizing, and keeps you from breathing your own CO2. If you must use A/C, don't allow it to blow directly on you. Many colds begin this way.

4. Avoid Caffeine on the road: It causes too many pit-stops, dries you out and sooner or later you're fatigued and needing more. Try a ginseng drink to keep you alert, or sip Emergen-C™ in a water bottle throughout the drive.

5. Low sounds of the car motor tend to make people sleepy: Listen to music and sing along, especially with the high notes, to counteract the drone.

6. Prepare healthy snacks in a cooler beforehand.: Fruit and cut-up veggies are great for munching. Avoid salty or high-fat foods. Remember, you're sitting today.

7. When you arrive at your destination, take time to stretch and move your body: Maybe your traveling companion is willing to give you a mini-massage to relieve stiffness.

8. Don't forget to BREATHE: If you get sleepy, try huff-and-puff breathing rapidly through your nose for 30 seconds, with your tongue behind the front teeth. You'll be amazed how much tension you can breathe out on a long trip! The road can be a wonderful place to leave yesterday's baggage behind and affirm a new perspective. Enjoy!

Jill Ruttenberg is a writer, an herbalist and founder of Red Mt. Remedies, makers of herbal kits for home and travel. See Red Mountain at www.redmtremedies.com