Reducing Flares While Traveling
Happy Summer time! Summer travel can be one of the biggest flare triggers for hypermobility, POTS, and MCAS. Here are 3 strategies to help you have a little more control of your symptoms this summer.
Consistency When Possible
An overactive nervous and immune system hate to see a routine change coming. Different foods, different schedules, altered sleep schedule, changed environments, etc. can be SO hard on the body. Unfortunately, travel time can be less refreshing for us because of this. Although it takes more planning, one of my strategies is choosing things to keep on schedule. For example, I may not be able to alter the scheduled family travel activities, but I do have some control over foods I eat, my movement routine, and my designated alone time to recharge my nervous system. Vacation is a time I may allow myself to indulge in foods that I know will flare me, but I can also keep some safe foods on hand like a high fiber, high protein yogurt or pumpkin seeds that both help with my blood sugar regulation and are easy to get at local grocery stores. I also have non-negotiable movement time by myself in the evenings to help me recharge. This is just what works for me, choose things that refuel you!
Hydration Station Summer
We’re always chasing hydration and many of us are downing ridiculous amounts of salt to try to keep our blood circulating. To-go electrolyte packs, travel salt shakers, and large water bottles are a must for me. I try to keep my emotional support bottle always with me, but when it’s not an option, I front load my hydration and electrolytes. Currently, salt pills have been a more affordable option for me when I started to run low on my electrolyte supply. I’ve linked what I’m currently using below!
Balance Both Movement & Rest
If you choose to have a full week to rot and rest, that’s absolutely okay and will not make you lose all progress you’ve gained. Our nervous system can respond really well to a week of a different stimulus. For me, my travel focus is circulation and pain relief. It actually takes very little to maintain true strength. Although I may do a traditional strength routine at the hotel gym, I also may do seated heel raises, thoracic mobility, and a walk daily to help with circulation and to prevent mid back pain.
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We don’t need to go into the summer scared of flares, but there are things we can do ahead of time to prep our bodies. Do you have any specific strategies that work well for you? Let us know!
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This blog is written based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Always ask your doctor for individual concerns and support.