The simple act of getting somewhere can be exhausting. You may have taken an international flight, a long-distance bus, a road trip, or something else entirely, but the result is the same: you arrive at your destination feeling unmoored and disoriented.
Commit to centering yourself.
As much as you may feel that you need to dive into your new location and begin exploring, commit to taking an hour or so to center yourself. In the long run, taking this time will help you appreciate your travel much more.
Disconnect.
Turn off your cell phone, close your computer, and don’t even think about picking up the television remote control. These things will all be there when you are ready for them, but keep external distractions to a minimum.
Practice a few restorative yoga poses.
After a long day of travel, you will surely have body parts that are aching and begging for attention. Choose some restorative yoga poses to relieve the tension. My post-travel favorites include child’s pose, puppy stretch, forward bend, lizard lunge, and legs up the wall. Listen to your body, and give it what it needs.
Take a warm shower.
The ritual of cleansing yourself can help you rid yourself of any lingering remnants of travel, both practically (like the stench of airplane soap) and symbolically (like the irritation of the screaming child one row behind you). Scrub away the travel and emerge a restored person.
Make yourself a cup of tea.
Always travel with a few tea bags. Most hotel rooms have a way of heating water, and the tea bags, which don’t take up much space in your luggage, are wonderful at providing comfort. Choose something soothing and allow yourself the time to linger over the cup.
Meditate.
If you have a meditation practice (or even if you don’t), take a few moments for a grounding meditation. Feeling centered, calm, and grounded before you set out for sightseeing will go a long way to getting your trip off on the right foot.
Image Credits:
Lotus Flower: Cornelia Kopp
Cup of Tea: Raheel Shahid