Since Thanksgiving weekend, a large portion of the nation has been traveling to and from holiday parties and shopping. With the holidays upon us, travel is greatly increased due to all of the extra obligations that typically come with the season. Between family, friends and work, most of us have a full schedule. As we find ourselves inside of planes, cars and trains traveling to our destination, it’s important to remain health conscious.

The term jet-lagged was coined for a reason: traveling is hard on the body. We constantly find ourselves sitting in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time and we are usually faced with the aches and pains of doing so later. To reduce the strain and pain on your body during this holiday season’s travel, follow these recommendations we’ve listed below.

• Make pit stops.When driving long distances, be sure to make several short pit stops. Stopping to walk and stand for just several minutes at a time can help your body relax—and improve circulation.
• Pack lightly.Be conscious of the weight of your bags when packing. Carrying heavy luggage is an additional stress on your body that you could easily avoid.
• Practice stress relieving techniques.Deep breathing, visualization and muscle relaxation are all techniques you can practice to remain calm and relaxed during a stressful trip.

We know that travelling during the holidays can be extremely stressful. Follow these simple steps to help yourself avoid injury due to postural stress and repetitive strain. To learn more about the benefits of performing activities that can reduce stress and strains during holiday travels, contact your local PRORehab therapists.