5 Tips for Maintaining A Mindfulness Practice While Traveling

As summer travel kicks into high gear, it can be an easy excuse to put our mindfulness + meditation and self-care practices on hold. But embracing the adventure and changing routines of travel can invite an important lens to explore different ways to practice mindfulness. Ultimately this helps us be more present which can activate our joy, patience, and connection to truly embrace our summer travels.

1. Cushion in some space

Whether flying or driving, give yourself more time than you think you need. Just like meditation helps to create space between impulse and action, that same space allows for more ease and gentle responsiveness (vs. stressed reaction) for the inevitable travel delays.

 2. Power off

When flying, try to take advantage of the time before takeoff and landing to simply close your eyes and be aware of your breath. When the flight attendant tells everyone to power off until you get to the approved altitude for devices, that is a good cue.

3. Explore new places

Whether in a hotel room, Airbnb, or staying with friends/family, it can be a challenge to find alone time.  If there is an outdoor space, explore turning it into your own mindful space. And never underestimate the privacy that a bathroom or car can provide. Or better yet, invite others to join you. Simply set a timer or listen to one of our Pebbl meditation replays together.

4. Try a new time and technique

Because we are often changing time zones when we travel, sometimes it can feel like a challenge to meditate at the same time of day. This is a great opportunity to explore different types of meditations and times of day. For example, swapping a morning practice for bedtime meditation or trying a mindful walking or mindful eating practice around meal times.

5. Tap into gratitude

If taking time to meditate simply feels overwhelming, substitute it with something more tangible, like a gratitude practice that you can still do daily. Just start a log on your phone, and every evening before bed, list three things you're grateful for. Keep it simple—ideally one line. One thing for yourself, one thing for a loved one, and one thing for a challenging circumstance or person.