After spending the last 10 out of 12 months traveling, I can't help but notice it's taken a bit of a toll on my mental and physical health. As exciting as traveling is, it can also take a lot out of you. Have you ever heard the term I need a vacation from my vacation? It couldn't ring more true, especially when you're coming home from a 12-hour flight in a completely opposite time zone. 

I am constantly getting sick or run down during and after trips. I almost always get off a plane with a sniffle. On Melanie and I's most recent trip to Hawaii we both came down with full-on colds courtesy of our seat-mate sneezing and coughing all the live long way to Los Angeles. But after a few simple remedies we were up and ready to go explore Kauai in no-time.

That's why I'm partnering with Viactiv to share my favorite ways to stay healthy while traveling. I feel like it couldn't be a more perfect fit because I'm definitely about probiotics, but let's be honest they're not always to most practical thing to tote around while traveling. For one thing, in most cases they need to be refrigerated. With Viactiv® Digestive Health probiotic-derived chews that is so not the case- thanks to the heat fermentation process. You just pop a couple of chews into your bag for a delicious way to get prebiotic fiber plus 10 billion cells of hearty, heat-stabilized Lactobacillus bacteria to strengthen your digestive defenses. Take your individually wrapped dark chocolate chews wherever you go, whether it's to work, the gym or halfway across the world. You had me a chocolate.

Now, let's talk about how to keep yourself healthy (and sane) while traveling..

Six Simple Ways To Stay Healthy While Traveling

1. PROBIOTIC-Derived Supplements

As I said before I'm all about probiotics for a number of reasons. One: because traveling definitely messes with your system and sometimes your digestive health needs a little boost to keep things from getting uncomfortable. Two: healthy, diverse gut bacteria is, among other things, actually a secret weapon to keeping your immune system in fighting shape. Basically you take the good bacteria to fight the bad, it's as simple as that. But because probiotics need to be refrigerated, they’re not practical for travel, which is why I usually take a Viactiv® Digestive Health probiotic-derived chew with my coffee every morning. All days should start with coffee and chocolate, right? 

2. HYDRATE

Probiotics and hydrating go hand in hand. One of the worst things you can do while traveling is let yourself get dehydrated. So drink, drink, drink your water. I like to carry a refillable water bottle with me on every trip, so I can fill up in the airport after security and use it throughout the rest of my trip. It's amazing what a little water can do for you after a long, exhausting trip. 

3. Sleep

I know, it's hard. I find it almost impossible to sleep while on planes, trains or in cars. I just can't seem to get comfortable. I will say though, that a neck travel pillow is essential if you're trying to catch zzz's or stay comfortable on a long trip. Make sure you're getting enough sleep before and after the trip too! I tend to go to bed early the day I arrive at my destination just to help fight whatever "bugs" I encountered on my travels. I know you're on vacation, but your body needs rest after the stress of carrying luggage & jumping time zones.

4. Santize, Sanitize, Sanitize

Airports and public transportation are a breeding ground for all things that go bump in the night. So have sanitizer and wipes on hand to keep things germ-free. Remember your phone, wallet and passport can be huge breeding grounds for germs; so be ready to wipe them down on-the-go. If possible, give your armrest and airplane entertainment screens a quick wipe.  Always wash your hands wherever you go or have hand sanitizer available for when soap isn't. 

5. Eat Regularly + Healthy 

When I'm traveling I tend to err to the cuisine of the destination. While in Hawaii I probably ate my weight in poké, pineapple and papaya. I also made sure I included a healthy dose of vegetable and additional fruits at every meal. Also, don't skip meals- always have breakfast before heading out in the morning and be sure to pack snacks to nibble on throughout the day and in between meals. 

6. Exercise When You Can

If you're on vacation this should be easy: you simply just walk, cycle, hike, and/or swim when the option presents itself. If you're on a work trip and are cooped up indoors for a good chunk of the day, taking the stairs or a few of sets of squats, lunges, and stretches throughout the day should be suffice. As always, don't over exert yourself and make sure you're doing plenty of breathing exercises to help relax your throughout your trip. 

What are your favorite tips for staying healthy while traveling? 

Find Viactiv® Digestive Health chew on Amazon, here, or at your neighborhood Rite Aid. 

For more information on Viactiv Digestive Health visit: https://viactiv.com/digestive-health/dark-chocolate-chews/. Join Viactiv on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and exclusive offers.

This post is sponsored by Viactiv®. All opinions are my own.

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