Traveling these days can be hectic. Same goes for the holidays. Put the two together and some seriously stressful situations can arise. Solution: don’t let it happen. If you will be traveling to visit friends and loved ones this holiday season, there are a few simple things to be mindful of that will make the whole experience warm and bright, rather than… well, the alternative.

Take Care of Yourself – I don’t care how much legroom the airline advertises, the human body was not designed for long stints in those seats! Just ask your hamstrings when you land. To help your body through the journey, drink plenty of fluids, (preferably water) while in the air or on the road. Take regular stretch breaks and while you’re up, do some deep breathing to saturate your blood with oxygen and clear your mind. Avoid food that will make your stomach irritable- packing some simple, unprocessed snacks and eating them regularly throughout your trip will keep your mood elevated.

Stay Present – especially as you encounter strangers en route to your destination. Listen to others and hear what they’re saying. If it happens to come up, don’t soak in any negativity. The right attitude will keep you immune. Instead, take in your surroundings and find something positive in everything you see and hear. The holidays are festive and decorative so allow your eyes to see the beauty and experience the excitement. If you stay present throughout your journey and beyond, you will be able to embrace and accept each moment and person with a smile!

Stretch out and Unwind – when you arrive at your destination, find a quiet place and have this video ready. Feel free to download it to your iPod in advance. It contains a grounding sequence of yoga postures and breathing techniques that will stretch out tight muscles, relieve jittery nerves and restore balance to the energy flow in your body. Enjoy!