Many things have changed since Lyme disease. I am happy that diet soda and ice cream are off the menu. It is great that stress is no longer my daily state of being. But I draw the line at losing vacations forever. As part of my recovery from Lyme I reclaim vacations as a right.
Going on vacation is good for everyone. You don’t have to go far or spend a ton of money, but shifting out of your work routine for a few days is a great way to de-stress. I grew up with two parents that were teachers. Summer vacation was a tradition.
“In matters of healing the body or the mind, vacation is a true genius!”
― Mehmet Murat ildan
But at my sickest vacation was more than I could muster, so I didn’t go anywhere. The vibration of car travel made me miserable, sitting still in a tight plane seat was excruciating so I stayed home and saved up my car travel for doctor’s appointments and treatments to help me heal.
I am so glad to say, I can travel pretty well now. I trained this past year in Pennsylvania a five hour drive for me and made the drive with no problems. A plane ride to South Dakota for a business meeting went fine. I just need to pay attention to build a little extra cushion into my travel plans, so that I don’t overextend.
My husband and I decided to start traveling and vacationing again. We both love to explore new places and learn as we go. Now that I am strong enough it is time to enjoy vacation opportunities. So we are going to take a few short trips this summer. But to truly reclaim vacations, I have to stay healthy while I experience new things.
How do you stay healthy on vacation? Healthy travel for me means staying connected to the self- care that keeps me well.
Hints to Reclaim Vacations Post Lyme
- Eat light and fresh before and during travel. Bring healthy organic food for your trip. In many places organic foods and supplements are not readily available. Do some research ahead of time. Bring what I need if there is no place to buy it.
- Hydrate sip water with ginger. Dehydration is not my friend but can creep up on me when I don’t have my regular triggers to drink.
- Stay on a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. Return from vacation well rested rather than worn out.
- Meditate to keep relaxed with an uncertain schedule and lots of new things. I wake up a little early each morning to make time to meditate. It is so worth it.
- Look for opportunities to move my body on vacation. Do more than lay on the beach. I exercise regularly at home and need to do that when I am away.
- Do some self massage to support relaxation and detox. Bring oil in your packed luggage. Or schedule a massage where you are staying.
- Pack medications and the instructions. Stay on schedule with supplements and medicines. I pack them in little bags that I can grab and have when I need them.
- Try to keep post vacation schedule light for a couple of days to readjust to the regular routine.
Vacation doesn’t mean a break from healing. It is a gift to reclaim vacations as part of the hard work of healing. No one wants to derail recovery for a few days of fun. Take the proper care and you can have both the fun and healing while on vacation.
The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment or advice. All the material here is for information purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.
Good advice!