There is much to love about traveling, as we all know, but there’s another side to it that isn’t talked about quite as much.
Traveling can make you go a little crazy after a while, especially if you’re a long-term adventurer. As such, it’s important to take steps to look after yourself, so retain some sort of self. Some people go traveling to find themselves, but the majority go just because they’re curious about other regions on the map. If you’re planning on spending many months on the road, then take a look at incorporating some of the following rules into your routine.
Traveling can make you go a little crazy after a while, especially if you’re a long-term adventurer. As such, it’s important to take steps to look after yourself, so retain some sort of self. Some people go traveling to find themselves, but the majority go just because they’re curious about other regions on the map. If you’re planning on spending many months on the road, then take a look at incorporating some of the following rules into your routine.
Have Some Sort of Structure
You’re striding forward with no destination in mind, and that’s exciting, but it might not be the best idea to go deep into whatever the world throws at you. If you’re going to stay sane, then you’ll want to keep some sort of structure. It could be as simple as taking a few moments in the morning to meditate, or keeping your meals at the same time each day. They’re small things, but they’ll provide a framework that’ll allow you to enjoy the world to the max, no matter where you are.
Try to Live Healthy
One of the challenges of moving from place to place is trying to stay healthy. You’re out there in places where you don’t know the best foods to eat, or perhaps you don’t have access to a kitchen. Doing a spot of exercise and staying fit can be problematic. However, these issues are easily overcome if you make an effort. All it takes is a little bit of will to seek out a healthy meal rather than go for the fastest and most convenient option. For exercise, pack some running shoes in your bag. You’ll feel at your best if you feel healthy.
Stay in Touch with Friends and Family
You’re going to meet a lot of new people when you’re traveling, but it’s important that you don’t forget about the people back home. They’re still there, and they miss you. While you’ll be having fun, taking the time to stay in touch will be good for those relationships back home, and also for your own sanity -- it’ll be a little reminder of who you are (this is also good for avoiding reverse culture shock when you return home). If you’ve got a computer with you, then learn how to use Skype on Mac before you go. If you don’t, then learn how to dial internationally -- it’ll allow you to call home from wherever you are in the world.
Make Time for You
One of the best things about traveling is getting involved, making friends, and having fun with a new group of people. However, you don’t want to socialize all the time. It’s important that you’re making time for yourself. Saying no to a party in favor of going for a walk will give you the time and space to reconnect with yourself. There’ll always be another party for you to join another night.
You’re striding forward with no destination in mind, and that’s exciting, but it might not be the best idea to go deep into whatever the world throws at you. If you’re going to stay sane, then you’ll want to keep some sort of structure. It could be as simple as taking a few moments in the morning to meditate, or keeping your meals at the same time each day. They’re small things, but they’ll provide a framework that’ll allow you to enjoy the world to the max, no matter where you are.
Try to Live Healthy
One of the challenges of moving from place to place is trying to stay healthy. You’re out there in places where you don’t know the best foods to eat, or perhaps you don’t have access to a kitchen. Doing a spot of exercise and staying fit can be problematic. However, these issues are easily overcome if you make an effort. All it takes is a little bit of will to seek out a healthy meal rather than go for the fastest and most convenient option. For exercise, pack some running shoes in your bag. You’ll feel at your best if you feel healthy.
Stay in Touch with Friends and Family
You’re going to meet a lot of new people when you’re traveling, but it’s important that you don’t forget about the people back home. They’re still there, and they miss you. While you’ll be having fun, taking the time to stay in touch will be good for those relationships back home, and also for your own sanity -- it’ll be a little reminder of who you are (this is also good for avoiding reverse culture shock when you return home). If you’ve got a computer with you, then learn how to use Skype on Mac before you go. If you don’t, then learn how to dial internationally -- it’ll allow you to call home from wherever you are in the world.
Make Time for You
One of the best things about traveling is getting involved, making friends, and having fun with a new group of people. However, you don’t want to socialize all the time. It’s important that you’re making time for yourself. Saying no to a party in favor of going for a walk will give you the time and space to reconnect with yourself. There’ll always be another party for you to join another night.
