Travel Reset

Magnesium

Travel often disrupts the road tripper's digestive and sleep cycles. The solution that kills two birds with one stone is magnesium, which relaxes the musculoskeletal and digestive systems. Take caution though: as calcium + magnesium function together, they must be supplemented together to avoid deficiency or overload of the other. If you are experiencing any magnesium deficiency symptoms, have recently traveled, or are taking calcium supplements, you might want to look into supplementing with Natural Calm or Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray, both of which I love before bedtime . . .

Another easy option is increasing your intake of magnesium-rich foods. Snacks squeeze extra minerals in well and anything with sesame seeds, such as Go Raw's super chips, is a potent option. Reminiscent of the susam helvas or pastelis that I used to nosh on as a child by the Turkish seashores with the seaweed incorporation . . . but devoid of strength-sapping sugars. My ultimate snack! This little concoction is sprouted for bio-available nourishment, married with digestion-soothing + blood-building dates, + is a good source of protein. You can get it for the über-discounted price at Thrive Market with an additional 15% off your first order here.

Abhyanga

Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine practice that dates thousands of years + is touted to combat dry skin, regulate the sleep cycle, increase circulation, + promote lymph drainage and circulation. Simply pick the oil that is appropriate for your constitution or dosha—sesame for vata, sunflower for pitta, and coconut oil for kapha—gently warm it up, and massage it in upward strokes. I normally use sesame seed oil but immediately reach for Lotus Wei's Radiant Energy Serum after my travels to recirculate stagnant energy. Here is a wonderful instructional video from the Ayurvedic leader Banyan Botanicals.

Nasya Oil

Lubrication  of the nasal passages not only prevents germs from entering into our system through the sinuses but it also calms the mind. You can learn more about this Ayurvedic practice over at the incredible Claire Ragozzino's Vidya Living shop section.

Natural Fibres

Just say no in general to synthetic fibres such as polyester, but even more so after travelling. Our bodeis are often bothered with dryness or bloating after travelling and pressure changes. Synthetic fibres not only prevent proper circulation but can also irritate the skin. Opt for natural fibres such as cotton, silk, and linen instead.

Crystals

Any crystal will be beneficial in balancing out and moving stuck energy, but there are a few that are more potent than others. Hematite is considered to be the ultimate grounding crystal—it's so strong that you feel a magnetic drawing of energy when holding it. It also eliminates negative energy and renews the energy field around the holder in protection. Smoky quartz is another option for those looking for a lighter stone in its energetic quality and a sense of calm centeredness rather than a jolt of energy.

Bone Broth

What is there not to say about bone broth that I have not salivated over on this post? Mosey on over to bubble up your own witch's brew for the ultimate rebuilding concoction for your post-travel limp body. If you prefer a vegan, plant-based formula, Ron Teeguardan's Strong Bones is an incredible option.

Medicinal Mushrooms

I  am constantly overcome by the magical properties of mushrooms, thanks to the incredible Four Sigmatic, which you can read more about in my interview with the founder Tero here. Their Instant Cordyceps blended with rose hips + ginseng provides both the energy and immune boost that our bodies are depleted of upon our arrival back home. For a cosy and indulgent option, try their XOCO hot cacao mix . . . 

Visualisation

Most often, when we're tired, we visualise our bodies as tired as well. We drag it and its energy around. A visualisation meditation allows for re-grounding, recharging, and a shifting of our perspective of the impact external factors, such as travelling, have on our bodies. In this meditation, you may take as long as you'd like, whether that means three minutes or ten minutes for you. Sit with your feet gently touching the ground. It's preferable if you can sit outside with your feet on grass, allowing you to feel the magnetic energies of the Earth. Close your eyes and visualise roots growing out of you, sprouting from the top of your head and reaching out into Mother Earth below you. Deepen this vision as you begin to become more aware of your breath. Breathe out any negative conception of your body that has taken you wherever you've been and back home. Feel a sense of rejuvenation through your gratitude for this body. Reroot yourself and bring your energy back up from the ground as you imagine a healing green light enveloping your entire body . . .

Mudra Meditation

Mudras are a gentle yet powerful way to simultaneously open up and protect our energetic field + chakras after the multitude of interactions we have during a trip. This is a wonderful and simple guide for picking a mudra to hold during a meditation according to the emotional and/or physical imbalances you may be experiencing. 

Rebounding

This is one of the best ways to reincorporate movement if you have fallen off your exercise routine during your trip or vacation. It moves stagnant energy along that has been sitting + stewing in our seats during long travel. More importantly, though, it brings back a childlike joy into our often serious lives amidst business trips, calls, and hustle-bustle to here and there . . .