Balance on the Go: Ayurvedic Tips for Travelers

Hello, beautiful souls! 

As many of you know, my journey has always been about balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Whether I’m jetting off to a new city for a shoot, exploring a hidden beach, or simply at home, my lifestyle revolves around one guiding principle: balance. 

Of course, we all know that balance is not a static destination—it’s a practice. Our environments, routines, and energies are always shifting, so achieving perfect balance isn’t always possible. But the beauty lies in the intention to strive for balance, regardless of the chaos that life may throw our way. 

For me, health, nutrition, and travel aren't just things I do—they're woven into the fabric of my daily life. And as someone who’s studied Ayurveda and nutrition, I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to nourish my body from the inside out. 

In this blog, I want to share how I use Ayurvedic principles, mindful nutrition, and travel to stay grounded, energized, and, most importantly, healthy—no matter where life takes me. 

The Ayurvedic Foundation of My Wellness Routine 

Ayurveda is my secret weapon—it’s a centuries-old practice that focuses on creating harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. I’ve been embracing Ayurveda for years, and it has truly transformed the way I live. It’s all about understanding your body’s unique constitution and supporting it with natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle choices. 

For me, Ayurveda helps me tune into my body’s needs. Some of the Ayurvedic practices that I incorporate into my routine are: 

• Starting my day with warm water and lemon: This simple practice helps wake up my digestive system and flush out toxins first thing in the morning. 

• Herbal teas: I love sipping on Ayurvedic blends like ginger-turmeric or mint-coriander to soothe my digestion and calm my mind. 

• Self-massage with oils: I try to do a quick Abhyanga (oil massage) before showering to nourish my skin and promote circulation. It’s so calming and grounding. 

But Ayurveda is more than just a wellness ritual—it’s a way of life. When I travel, I aim to incorporate Ayurvedic practices wherever I go, whether it’s adjusting my diet to the local climate or choosing destinations that align with my wellness goals. 

Traveling and Balancing Vata Dosha 

Traveling is such an enriching experience, but it can also create an imbalance in the body—particularly if you're someone who's already prone to a Vata imbalance. In Ayurveda, Vata is the dosha associated with air and space, and it governs movement, communication, and creativity. When Vata is in balance, we feel energized, clear, and inspired. But when it’s out of balance, it can manifest as anxiety, restlessness, and fatigue—especially while traveling. 

Here’s why: Travel increases Vata. The excitement of new places, different time zones, changes in routine, and a fast-paced lifestyle on the go can quickly stir up that airy, unpredictable Vata energy. If left unchecked, this can leave you feeling scattered, stressed, or overwhelmed. 

But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to ground your Vata while traveling and keep yourself feeling balanced. Here are some grounding tips: 

1. Eat grounding, nourishing foods: Foods that are warm, moist, and hearty are excellent for calming Vata. Think soups, roasted vegetables, and hearty grains like quinoa or brown rice. Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cumin are also great for soothing Vata’s cool, dry nature. If you're traveling, try to stick with homey, comforting meals that support digestion and keep you feeling calm. 
2. Stick to a routine: One of the most powerful ways to balance Vata is by maintaining a steady routine, even when traveling. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, and aim to eat meals around the same time too. This can provide structure amidst the chaos of new environments.
3. Incorporate calming practices: Deep breathing exercises or pranayama can help calm your nervous system and balance Vata. Even just taking a few minutes to focus on your breath can make a huge difference. Additionally, practicing meditation or doing a short yoga sequence (especially grounding poses like tree pose, child’s pose, or seated forward fold) helps bring you back to center and release any excess Vata energy. 
4. Stay hydrated: Vata’s dry nature makes it especially important to stay hydrated. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, especially when traveling to warm climates or when you’re flying. You can also hydrate with coconut water or herbal teas that help calm Vata, such as chamomile or licorice root.
5. Nurture yourself with self-care: One of the best ways to balance Vata is through self-care rituals. Taking a warm bath with Epsom salts or essential oils like lavender can be incredibly soothing. Also, don’t forget the power of massage—whether it’s a full-body Abhyanga (oil massage) or just a quick neck and shoulder rub, this can help calm the nervous system and ease any tension. 

Air Travel and the Vata Effect 

If you’ve ever felt tired, dry, and a little off after a long flight, you’re not alone! Flying increases Vata dosha due to the high-altitude environment, the dry air in the cabin, and the constant movement and change that comes with travel. The experience of flying can leave your body feeling ungrounded, dehydrated, and energetically scattered. 

What to Avoid When Flying: 

• Avoid cold and dry foods: Cold and dry foods can aggravate Vata, so skip things like cold salads, raw vegetables, or chilled drinks while on the plane. Instead, opt for warm foods, like soup or a thermos of herbal tea, which will help balance the dryness of the cabin air. 

• Limit caffeine: Coffee and caffeinated drinks are stimulating, which can make it harder to rest and lead to more Vata imbalance. If you need an energy boost, try herbal teas like ginger or matcha. 

• Steer clear of sugary snacks: Sugar can spike your energy and then lead to a crash, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to stay grounded and calm. Stick with healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, and fruit. 

Routines for Staying Grounded, Hydrated, and Dewy During the Flight 

1. Hydration is key: The dry cabin air is notorious for zapping your skin and your energy. Make sure you drink plenty of water during the flight, and consider bringing your own refillable bottle. I also love coconut water for its ability to hydrate and replenish electrolytes. If it’s hard to get on the go, I’ll grab some after my flight to keep my skin glowing and my energy up.
2. Moisturize: Apply a rich, nourishing moisturizer before and during the flight to combat the dryness. I also recommend using a facial mist with rose water or aloe vera to keep your skin dewy and fresh throughout the flight.  
3. Set a mini routine: Just because you’re on a plane doesn’t mean you can’t do some simple Ayurvedic practices to stay grounded. Here are a few ideas: 

• Gentle neck stretches and shoulder rolls to release tension.
• Belly breathing to calm the mind and reduce stress.
• Self-massage: Give your hands, and temples a little love with some soothing oil. Lavender or sandalwood oils are especially grounding.

4. Adjust to the new time zone: If you’re flying long-distance, adjusting to the new time zone can be tricky. A helpful tip is to try to sleep during the hours of your destination's time zone. For example, if you're flying to a place that's 6 hours ahead, aim to sleep during the flight as if it's nighttime in your destination. This helps your body start to adjust to the new time zone and can minimize jet lag. 

5. Take a break from screens: The constant use of electronics can stir up Vata’s anxious, restless energy. Try to limit screen time during the flight, especially if it’s keeping you awake. Instead, read a calming book, listen to soothing music, or meditate. 

Final Thoughts: A Life in Balance 

In the end, life is about balance. Whether it’s balancing your body’s energy with Ayurveda, finding time for wellness while traveling, or nourishing yourself with whole, nutrient-dense foods, it’s all about aligning with what makes you feel your best. 

For me, health, travel, and nutrition aren’t separate—they all contribute to a fulfilling and vibrant life. And every day, I strive to live in a way that nourishes my body, stimulates my mind, and inspires my soul. 

Thank you for following along on this journey! I’m so grateful for all of you who share in my passion for mindful living, adventure, and self-love. If you ever need tips or inspiration on wellness, style, or travel, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s continue this journey together! 

With love and light, 
Amanda