Moving Under Pressure

As I recently moved cross country just last week (all the way from South Florida to Northern California!), I’m really struggling to stay healthy and energetic despite all the exhaustion and stress that moving brings. Sure, I’ve got my ready-to-go stash of Amazing Grass SuperFood, almond butter and herbal teas, but there’s only so much these things can do when you are on the go 100% of the time. So, partially to reassure myself, here are some helpful pointers on how to stay well under extreme stress.

The number one best way to stay feeling good is by drinking water. A ton of water. Traveling dehydrates you and when you are under stress you often forget to drink enough….or you just take to drinking wine. Carry a water bottle around with you and make sure you are constantly sipping all day long. If you are feeling low on energy, add some green tea powder for a natural booster. I’ve learned the hard way though—when you are really, really tired, too much caffeine can cause more harm than good. I’ve had my fair share of double espressos while traveling that only lead to super shaky hands and headaches. Caffeine (and double espressos!) are fine in moderation, but make sure you aren’t overdoing a good thing.

Sleep! This is tricky but necessary. I think the longest I’ve gone without really sleeping is three days and boy, your body gets angry with you. Everything seems worse and more stressful when you are exhausted and there’s a time and place for tylonel pm. If you are like me, and currently living on a friend’s couch while apartment hunting, it can be tricky to get ample rest but you have to do what you can. Take some time for yourself….a long, hot shower before bed, ear plugs, eye mask, soothing music on your ipod….whatever relaxes you. Your body needs its zzz’s!

If you can exercise, do it. You may be too exhausted for even the thought, but honestly it will help. Yoga podcasts on your ipod are great for this, also are  your running shoes. If you can’t run, walk. Just getting your endorphins flowing is a step in the right direction and you will always feel better after breaking a sweat. Exercise is a truly wonderful remedy for jetlag as well!

Whenever I travel anywhere, I always pack a large plastic baggie FULL of nutrition bars, Amazing Grass packets, herbal tea, Starbucks instant coffee packets, barney butter packets and dried fruit and nuts. My friends think I’m the most mom-like traveler there is, but you never know! I’d rather be prepared and stay at the top of my game then be stuck exhausted and hungry, a truly deadly combination indeed.