Why do I not feel good when I travel?

The Travel Bug That Isn’t a Bug: Why Your Vacation Might Make You Feel Awful

We all dream of escaping the daily grind, picturing ourselves lounging on pristine beaches or exploring bustling cityscapes. But sometimes, the reality of travel doesn’t quite match the fantasy. Instead of returning refreshed and rejuvenated, many of us find ourselves feeling sluggish, irritable, and generally off. It’s ironic, isn’t it? Why does something designed for pleasure so often lead to discomfort?

The answer lies in the profound disruption travel inflicts on our well-being. While we focus on the exciting sights and sounds, our bodies are often struggling to adapt to a drastically altered landscape of routines and habits.

One of the biggest culprits is sleep. Travel throws a wrench into our meticulously crafted sleep schedules. Jet lag, noisy hotels, unfamiliar beds, and simply trying to cram everything into our itinerary all contribute to fragmented and insufficient sleep. This sleep deprivation has a ripple effect, impacting everything from our mood to our cognitive function, leaving us feeling drained and fuzzy.

Beyond sleep, travel often encourages, or even necessitates, a departure from our usual dietary habits. We might indulge in richer, more processed foods than we’re accustomed to, grabbing quick meals on the go instead of preparing healthy options. The allure of local delicacies and vacation treats can easily lead to overeating, while restrictive diets in certain regions can leave us feeling depleted. Coupled with this, increased alcohol consumption is often a staple of vacation life. While a cocktail on the beach sounds idyllic, alcohol disrupts sleep further and can contribute to dehydration and a general feeling of malaise.

Finally, despite all the walking and exploring, many trips surprisingly decrease our overall physical activity. We might spend long hours sitting on planes, trains, or buses, and exploring a city doesn’t necessarily equate to the structured exercise we might be used to. This lack of consistent movement can lead to stiffness, fatigue, and a sense of stagnation.

In short, travel creates a perfect storm of disruptive factors that negatively impact our physical and mental well-being. The very rhythm of our lives, the established patterns that keep us feeling balanced and healthy, is thrown into disarray. So, while you’re meticulously planning your sightseeing itinerary, remember to also consider how you’ll mitigate the potential downsides of travel. Prioritizing sleep, making conscious food choices, and incorporating some form of exercise into your trip can make the difference between returning home refreshed and returning home needing another vacation. The key to enjoying travel lies not just in seeing new places, but in maintaining a sense of well-being throughout the journey.