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Happy holidays to you and your family from our family!

Amy here and I want you to have the absolute best holiday season possible so I’ve included some tips below, including some lessons from my past and recent travels.
Be proactive and prepared!

So maybe not many people really travel by train anymore, but we’ve got some great road trip and flying tips you truly need to know to stay healthy and feeling good throughout your journeys this holiday season.

Road trips and flying often involve a lot of sitting. Here are some great tips to combat issues like muscle tension, leg swelling, back soreness and cramps while traveling.
1) Ankle pumps – gently extend your legs as much as room allows and flex and point your feet.
2) Butt squeezes – gradually squeeze your butt, hold 2-3 seconds then relax fully.
3) Cat-cow – this is usually possibly even on a packed plane. Sit slightly forward in your seat and inhale as you look up and arch your back a bit then exhale as you drop your chin to your chest and round your back.
4) Ideally, try not to stay in one position for more than 2 hours. Even a quick walk around the car or in the aisle can dissolve tension, improve circulation and help you stay awake which is critical for the driver! So take the road less traveled and go find some sunsets like this!

Ways flying can affect you and what to do about it:
Did you know that flying automatically dehydrates you? The cabin air has very low humidity with almost no moisture in it at all. This can often lead to issues with constipation, muscle cramps, swelling
Pro tip: Pack an empty water bottle or Hydroflask so you can fill it as soon as you get through security to stay hydrated without relying on the tiny drinks from the beverage cart or paying $8 at the airport stores.

Amy’s secret weapon is to always travel with Natural Calm. It replenishes magnesium which helps combat leg cramps, promotes bowel regularity and more restful sleep.

The cabin pressure is lower than sea level so we are still getting lower levels of oxygen than we’re used to. This combined with the altitude changes and pressure in our ears, can affect our energy and contribute to shortness of breath.
Pro tip: Hydration helps avoid this as mentioned above. Try to get up and move around to avoid swelling. Deep belly breathing and chewing gum can also help with ear pressure adjusting and oxygenation.

Changes in time zones just amplify the above issues by affecting sleep cycles and normal rhythms/routines.
Pro tip: If you’re only changing time zones for a few days, try to stay on the same schedule as at home. Get out in the sunshine to help your body acclimate and adjust, particularly if a major time change. Getting exercise can also help the body adapt to play/rest cycles and facilitate great sleep.

This last picture is from my recent business trip to Celebration, Florida where there was a 2 hour time difference. I didn’t feel a huge impact in terms of sleep and routine, but flying cross country Monday, home Thursday then flying to Denver Friday took a toll, but thankfully these tips helped me rally quickly, stay hydrated and not miss any wonderful family time celebrating my grandmother’s 90th birthday! We don’t want you to miss out on anything either. 

Please reply and share your best travel tips with us!
Melissa here, with the Moment of Truth Family
Do not forget to give to yourself this holiday season. Maybe giving to yourself looks like an extra cup of coffee in the morning, a yoga class you have been wanting to get to, a hike in nature absorbing all the sunshine, a massage, dinner with some friends, a quiet night at home with family and takeout, or giving to others. All of these can be filling during the holiday season. As our calendars get full of events and activities, remember to schedule time for you.
My husband and I have started a tradition to take a hike the day after Thanksgiving. Spending time together in nature is filling for the both of us. Without the hurry and hustle of sales and shopping. 

As the Holidays near, what do you need for you to feel like the holidays without getting lost in the doing?
Being with family and baking cookies while watching holiday movies is one way for me to feel like it is the holidays, family traditions run hard. My second must is spending a night driving a few neighborhoods looking at the lights.
Hope this simple reminder helps you look twice at your calendar and remember what you need to fill your days with during the holiday season.
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