In the next coming months, I have a lot of conferences for social media and blogging. I just returned from Social Media Marketing World in San Diego, California. I lost my voice from trying to have conversations in loud rooms with several people. I am soft-spoken so it did a number on my vocal cords. At first, I thought I was getting a cold. But then I realized it could also be allergies. I thought about this and decided to share my top five ways to stay healthy when traveling.

I also had a similar thing happen to me when I was on the Oprah cruise.  So here are a few things that I need to travel with to help keep me healthy when traveling.  I’m sharing my favorite items below and also providing my affiliate links to each item.

Diffuse Essential Oils

I sleep with a diffuser in my room every night.  I diffuse Breathe essential oil from doTERRA.  On my last two trips, I didn’t have my diffuser with me so I think that made a difference in helping keep my sinuses clear.

From now on, I am going to pack my diffuser with me to help keep me from coming home with a raspy voice and clogged-up sinuses.

Use On Guard Softgels

On Guard softgels are another product from doTERRA that I like to use.  I also give them to my family at the first signs of a cold or when they complain about a scratchy throat.  It is a protective blend of essential oils to help support the immune system and help kill off harmful bacteria and viruses.

On Guard softgels contain the following essential oils:

• Wild Orange Peel – protects the body against seasonal threats
• Clove Bud – supports a healthy immune system
• Black Pepper Seed – supports healthy circulation
• Cinnamon Bark/Leaf – promotes healthy immune function
• Eucalyptus Leaf – purifying and cleansing properties
• Oregano Leaf – helps maintain a healthy immune system
• Rosemary Flower/Leaf – may help support the digestive system
• Melissa Leaf – may help support a healthy immune system

Hydration and Nutrition

I drink a lot of water when I am at home.  I make lemon ginger water and add cayenne pepper and turmeric sometimes.  When I travel I bring the ingredients with me to make the lemon ginger water.  Instead of using a blender, I use lemon juice and powdered ginger.  It’s a more refreshing drink than just plain water.

Here’s the recipe for the lemon ginger water:

• Fill a blender with water
• Squeeze 2-3 lemons
• Peel and cut ginger root

1. Blend the water, lemon, and fresh ginger in the blender.
2. Strain the water into a pitcher
3. Add cayenne pepper or Turmeric if you want for additional anti-inflammatory benefits and flavor.

Eating well is also very important.  It’s easy to just eat whatever is in front of you; but if you are trying to watch your weight or eat clean, you should always make sure you are getting good proteins, vegetables, and fruit in your diet.  Conferences usually include buffet meals and you can typically find a salad and some chicken or fish to help make a complete and healthy meal.

I always pack my own oatmeal so that in the morning I can make it in my hotel room with hot water from the coffee maker.  I also like to keep some packets in my bag so that at any point in the day I could eat a snack that will hold me over for a while until my next meal.

Use a Neti Pot

When I return from my trips I like to use a Neti Pot to irrigate my sinuses from all the germs I may have been exposed to.  A neti pot is a container that you fill with a saltwater solution.  You must use bottled water or sterilized water when making the saltwater solution.

To use the neti pot, you tilt your head sideways over a sink and pour the water into your nostril.  The liquid will drain through the other nostril and you will clear out your sinuses of any mucus, allergens, or dust.

Rest

While at conferences as an attendee or working the event, self-care should be number one on your list.  For me, getting at least 6-7 hours of sleep while at a conference keeps me alert throughout the day.  Of course, more sleep would be ideal; but conferences usually have events at night and sometimes early morning sessions.

When an event like Mom 2.0 offers classes like yoga, on their itinerary I like to participate in those morning classes.  It helps work out the kinks from flying to the location, sleeping in a different bed, and the long days of sitting in sessions.

On the way home from my flights I try to catch up on my sleep and take naps on the plane.  This way, when I get home I can be fresh for my family.  Because I had been away from them for an extended period of time, I don’t like to come home only to have to spend hours away from them taking a nap.

How do you keep yourself healthy when you travel?  Do you have favorite things you bring along with you?  I’d love to hear what your advice is!