Put down the hot dogs and the soda! Just kidding, sort of. Traveling by RV doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite things. However, a little extra health conscious practices will make your trip even better.
Isn’t it wonderful to wake up in a new place ready for the big day ahead? Of course it is! But remember, just like at home, keeping a schedule is good for your internal body clock. This is also known as your circadian rhythm. Your body likes to follow a sunrise-sunset rhythm. This is called a sleep-wake cycle. We don’t always follow it, especially on vacation. 16 hours of daytime and 8 hours of sleep. Some people have found it easier to do when traveling. If you listen to your internal body clock, you will have a restful experience when traveling from place to place. Time zones can be disruptive, this is why it’s best to listen to your body. Pay attention to the rise and setting of the sun. Maintain a healthy schedule as you travel.
Nature therapy is known by many. You aren’t tied to your office desk on the road! Spending time in the outdoors is proven to help with immune, cardiovascular, and respiratory functioning. That being said, don’t spend all of your time driving and staring at your electronic devices. Take breaks to enjoy the naturally beautiful locations on your way to your Tnal destination. Make the most of this RV experience.
Do you have a tendency to eat late at night in front of the TV before bed? How about staring at your phone right before you hit the sack? Do you chain-smoke on weekends or drink a lot of wine during the week? RV travel can give you a chance to break those bad habits. Typical routines might not always be the healthiest. But now you have the ability to stare at the stars instead of your phone, go on a hike throughout the day, or check out a new landscape as you venture from one scenic spot to the next.
Do you work an indoor day job? Do you like to spend time in your backyard? How about your front porch? Most of us do not get enough sunlight on a regular basis. In fact, vitamin D deTciency is not uncommon. Issues with autoimmunity, depression, bone ache, back pain and other health factors are prevalent in those with a lack of vitamin D. Spend time outdoors, especially in the sunshine, as you RV travel. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun with the correct amount of SPF. Do your best to take in the recommended 20 – 30 minutes of sunlight a day.
Drink lots of water! If you hate the taste, opt for electrolyte hydrate packets to mix in with it. The more hydrated you are, the better you will feel. You don’t even need to do a lot of exercise either.The changes in temperature could affect your hydration levels. Best to stay hydrated throughout the entire journey.
How do you know if you’re hydrated? Your urine is a tell tale sign. The darker yellow it is, the less hydrated you are. When it streams clear, so are you. You can also tell if you feel groggy and fatigued. Hydration is one of the top forgetters for RV travelers. Keep a bottle of water on you at all times.
People who love to diet know this already, but it is especially good for RV travelers. Your body metabolizes increments of food overtime. It is better for your digestive health if you eat many small meals throughout the day, instead of 2 or 3 large ones. Small meals are what many would call “snacks.” Sometimes it is a nutrition bar, other times it can be a hamburger with a small salad. You can learn to adapt to a snack over a meal. Large meals can make you feel sluggish. Small boosts of energy throughout the day will keep you strong and stimulated during your RV adventure.
We are not claiming to be nutrition experts, but steering away from heavy foods with tons of preservatives and sugars will do the body good. It is known by dietitians around the world, raw foods are an excellent alternative source for a nomadic lifestyle. Raw foods consist of natural veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, nut milk, and peanut butter. Among many others, do your research!
It is mostly plant-based but it can also consist of raw eggs. This doesn’t mean you have to completely detach from meat. Incorporating these as dominant foods in your diet will work to your advantage. Importantly, many raw foods are easier to store for months without spoiling too. We are talking about grains, nut milks, and peanut butter. Even some veggies hold up nicely without refrigeration. Many raw foods are proven to be an excellent source of energy for this type of mobile lifestyle.
Once you’ve posted up in a great RV park, it is time to lounge out! We recommend doing this for a portion of your RV adventure, but not for the entirety of it. Driving and sitting around for hours on end, your body needs to stretch and your blood needs to start bowing. Explore the natural scenic areas as you head to your Tnal location and once you Tnally arrive. RV travel is about many things, but one thing it isn’t about, staying stationary and stagnant!