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The holidays are almost here — and that means increased travel for millions of Americans.
As people travel to see loved ones or hop on a jet to get out of the house, the travel bug is hitting many Americans.
With so many people traveling this year, many could use some tips on how to best navigate this stressful time.
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Los Angeles-based CEO Andrew Herr, 39, told Fox News Digital that he’s taken more than 400 flights in his life — picking up some tips along the way.
“I guess I’ve been on 400-500 flights to 50 countries,” he said.
Herr runs Fountain, a health and performance consulting firm based in Los Angeles.
He said he worked with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Air Force and with the Marine Corps, fighter pilots and the Air Force.
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He received his master’s degree in health physics, microbiology and immunology and his bachelor’s degree in security studies from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He also completed his undergraduate degree at the School of Foreign Service, according to his biography.
Herr shares his top five tips for surviving travel this holiday season.
Use your diet to prevent inflammation
Herr’s first tip is to eat small, high-protein, low-carb meals when preparing for a trip.
“A lot of carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels and cause systemic inflammation,” he said.
He generally recommends eating vegetables with every meal to lower blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
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Herr recommends eating fried chicken and vegetables at the airport if necessary.
Be smart about screen time and bright lighting
When traveling overnight, Herr says to be careful about screen time and natural light.
Herr recommends avoiding blue and bright light two to three hours before going to sleep at your final destination.
“Blue, bright light signals your brain to wake up, and blue light triggers your natural melatonin — a key part of your brain’s process for getting into deep, high-quality sleep,” he says.
He recommends wearing blue light blocking glasses to help suppress melatonin production.
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Herr says it’s smart to get bright light, especially sunlight, when you wake up at your destination.
Go without alcohol
Herr recommends skipping in-flight alcohol service.
“Alcohol activates our fight-or-flight system, reduces sleep quality and increases inflammation,” he said.
“This effect increases when you fly.”
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Flyers are advised to avoid drinking both at the airport and on the plane. Wherever you go, keep those drinks for the party.
Move your body before you go
Herr recommends getting in a quick workout before your travel day begins.
“Exercise increases circulation, joint mobility and endorphins, so you feel better — body and mind,” he says.
If exercising before the trip isn’t an option, he recommends moving for 10-15 minutes after your trip before going to bed.
Getting some exercise can be one of the best ways to keep your mind and body feeling good after traveling.
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“Research shows that most people sleep better when they work out for up to two hours in the evening compared to no exercise at all,” he said.
Control your breathing
Many experts believe that managing stress during long travel days is key to surviving the holiday travel season.
Herr said he is a fan of “box breathing”.
It’s a breathing pattern where you inhale slowly through the nose for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth – and hold again for four seconds.
“This helps regulate your central nervous system and reduce stress,” he said.
Herr also says that if four seconds is on the easy side, try increasing the time from eight seconds to six for each step.
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Anyone experiencing excessive stress or anxiety before, during, or after travel should definitely consult their health care provider and seek the best medical advice.
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