Tips for a successful road trip from your acupuncturist

Long drives across the country can be a great way to experience different communities, and can be a more cost effective method of transportation for a family. However, long car rides can also be monotonous and stressful.

if you are getting drowsy:

1. Practice bhastricka breathing (bellows breath) for 10-15 seconds to invigorate your body and clear your mind.
2. Inhale peppermint and wild orange essential oils.
3. Bring healthy snacks that keep your energy steady – fruits, veggies and nuts.
4. Listen to Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. Songs with over 150 beats per minute have been shown to be energizing.
5. Take periodic breaks to get outside of the car and move. Ideally do some jumping jacks or jump rope to get your energy, blood and lymphatic fluids moving. When my family goes on road trips, we stop every 2 hours to do a short workout as part of a competition. We either do a timed workout where we “place” based on who can do the most reps or we do a workout with a certain number of activities that must be completed in the shortest amount of time. My kids were embarrassed about it at first, but now enjoy how it starts conversations with other travelers. We bring along a jump rope, blanket and kettle bell. Our workouts consist of some combination of activities from running/walking, stair climbing, push ups, squats, jumping jacks, jump rope, kettle bell swings, goblet squats, sit ups, burpees, etc. This helps manage the stress of being in a confined space together.

Bring along some OnGuard (protective blend) essential oil in a small spray bottle with distilled water to use as a hand sanitizer and to spray down “questionable” surfaces.

Also pack some lavender to sprinkle on your pillow and apply to the back of your neck if you have problems sleeping away from home. You can also have any passengers who are getting irritable inhale some lavender.

Reach out if you need to purchase some oils before your trip. Happy traveling!