Living out of your suitcase? Here's how to ensure it doesn't affect your health

To redress the balance of the busy business traveller, one requires a good routine that works well in the long run as well as in the short-term.

We are all different to some degree, but there are some foolproof methods that ensure optimum health under stressful conditions.

Frequent air travel puts pressure on our fluid levels and is considered an alarmingly dehydrating environment that directly affects the lymphatic system, skin tone and can play havoc with your blood pressure and circulation. The risk of blood clots and DVT (deep vein thrombosis) increases with age and frequency of air travel so preventative care must be taken seriously to avoid these harmful symptoms, which can be fatal.

So, for long haul flights be sure to top-up with plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and stretch you limbs by taking short strolls around the plane. When sitting keep you feet raised a little, so if seated in economy, put your bag or a cushion under your feet which will help circulation and reduce any potential swelling from slow lymphatic drainage. If your feet have a strong tendency of puffiness due to water retention, be sure to have a massage or a long energetic walk/run a day before your flight to boost your circulation.


Frequent air travel puts pressure on our fluid levels and is considered an alarmingly dehydrating environment that directly affects the lymphatic system, skin tone and can play havoc with your blood pressure and circulation. (Image: Thinkstock)

Rubbing essential oils around your knees, ankles and other joints is an excellent idea. Juniper, grapefruit, rosemary and lavender have various active properties and together improve circulation, drainage and anti-inflammatory action.

The negative effects of stress can also inhibit our circulation. This means that the body requires more nutritional support, so increase your Vitamin B Complex intake. This is the front line fighter of your immune system along with an extra dose of Vitamin C and Zinc. It also helps enhance resistance to infection and tiredness, often caused by changing time zones, temperatures and environments.

You can use high-intensity anti-aging facial moisturisers during flights or apply a mask for maximum hydration. Perpetual dry skin increases the deepening of lines and other signs of aging, so preventative care is a must.

One of the best anti-dotes to jet-lag, tension or stress in general is universally acknowledged to be a good circulatory 90-minute massage with detoxifying and relaxing essential oils. If you can schedule this before bedtime on your day of arrival at a destination, it will help you to sleep peacefully and adjust your circadian cycle to the new time zone.


If you drink coffee in your new destination when you would normally be sleeping at home, it may be too acidic and cause hypertension. (Image: Thinkstock)

The body can be a vulnerable vehicle and is really a creature of habit so if you find you cannot sleep at 2 am because it is 9 am in your place of origin, then best to get up and move around for a while rather than lie there tossing and turning.

The same rule applies for coffee. If you drink coffee in your new destination when you would normally be sleeping at home, it may be too acidic and cause hypertension. So for the first couple of days, until you rebalance and adjust to the new time zone, reduce your caffeine intake, drinking it closer to the usual time you would in your home time zone, or drink green tea instead! If you don't like green tea try de-caffeinated coffee.

In terms of your diet, you will need some carbs when you are travelling for energy and longevity but avoid anything that bloats you or is heavy in nature, such as red meat and cheese. Include plenty of greens, vegetables and grains. Also, some form of light protein to give you stamina and strength.

Carrying a little bag of the dynamic algae protein spirolina or other concentrated energy food supplements is also a smart move. A balanced diet helps you sleep well, nourishing and encouraging your vital pineal and pituitary glands to function well and adjust. These two glands are master hormonal and neuro-chemical distributors to the whole body and are essential in balancing the relationship between your body, mind and emotions with your digestion at the core.

Bon voyage!