How To Stay Comfortable On Long Trips

We just got back from a family trip, and as most vacations go there were long hours in the car and airplane as well as lots of walking, climbing stairs, and lugging bags around. Unfortunately, all of the adults had some sort of aches and pains to deal with over the course of the vacation. Crazy right? But can you relate?

I put together a list of quick tips that might help on your next trip. We did all of these over that last couple of weeks.

Image: https://www.prevention.com/fitness/workout-clothes-gear/a19633752/cheap-sneakers-women/

Frequent Pit Stops

Long drives can be a killer for tight muscles and joints. Try to plan your route with convenient stops along the way. Get going early and stop for lunch along the way. Maybe look for a scenic lookout or other landmark where you can spend a few minutes stretching your legs and getting your circulation going. I know it makes for longer travel time, but wouldn’t you rather arrive more comfortably. On one leg of the trip we broke up 6-hour drive into two drives and slept over in between. The drive may not have been fast, but it sure was a lot more pleasant.

Be Careful with Luggage

Summer Time Blues And “Alternative” Neck Pain Management

Hello, hello! I’m sorry we’ve been so quiet lately. We had a number of production delays and other fires to put out, but we’re still working hard to get the original 4 inch pillow in-stock as soon as possible. The new ship dates should be around the end of October. There will still be plenty of time to order for the Holidays.

Changing gears…

Photo credit: Yogajournal.com

Have you ever heard of or tried mindfulness meditation? If you’re starting to tune out, stay with for just a couple of minutes. I just saw an article on YogaJournal.com about meditation as a support for neck pain relief. The gist of the article is that most neck pain is caused by some sort of tension or stress. Mediation is a proven stress relief method. In fact, meditation is so well documented that it is recommended stress relief method in the Dr. Dean Ornish Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. The Ornish Program is a lifestyle change program that is proven to manage and some times reverse (yes, reverse) heart disease symptoms. Also, the Ornish Program is a paid benefit through Medicare, so it’s not some pseudo-science treatment, it has a track record of real results.

Five Simple Exercises For Healthier Ankles

Injury While Hiking

I may have mentioned my ankle injury before. In March I went on a backpacking trip to Kaaha (kah-ah-hah) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Most of the group went out early on Friday, but because I was working I had to head out in the early evening. It’s a 4 mile hike that takes 3-4 hours in daylight. I’ve never hiked this particular trail before so, of course, I took the wrong trail at the trailhead. Not a great start.

By the time I figured out that I was heading the wrong way it was getting dark. I had my headlamp and there aren’t any large animals to worry about, so I figured I would hike down in the dark. I was able to call the rest of the group on a weak cell phone signal so they knew my situation. Although it’s just 4 miles, the elevation change is about 2000 feet and most of that is in the first 2 miles on loose gravel. I think you can see where this is going…

Improve Your Neck Pain In A Few Minutes (A Day)

I mentioned in my the last email that my lower back feels much better if I do some light stretching every day. I’m a big believer low intensity maintenance. Not only can stretching improve blood flow, but it does some strengthening work for those muscles. I found this great info-graphic with super easy stretches you can do while sitting at your desk, on the couch, or even at the park.

Goodbye Sleeplessness, Hello Slumber

Tips and tricks for falling asleep and staying asleep when you can’t seem to wind down.

Nearly every adult has an occasional sleepless night. However, if you’re one of the millions of Americans who experience more disturbances than dreams, take heart, there are ways to promote healthy sleep without resorting to potentially-addictive sleeping pills.

Your sleep schedule

Dr. Michael J. Breus, better known as “The Sleep Doctor,” stresses that the most important thing you can do to improve your overall sleep quality is stick to a schedule. According to the clinical psychologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, following the clock will reset your internal rhythm.

Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night – children may require 10 hours or more. The best way to create a healthy schedule is to plan for five 90-minute REM cycles each night. This equates to about 7 ½ hours. If your job or school day requires waking at 6:30 AM, plan to be in bed by 11 PM. The length of time you sleep is important since the most restorative sleep occurs in the hours just before waking.

Children’s bedtime schedules should include a winding down routine. This should be comprised of actions, such as putting on pajamas and brushing teeth. Having a predictable pattern of events leading up to bedtime will make it easier for children to transition from day to night.