FEATURE Wellness While You Travel Travel allows us to see the world from a new perspective, all while building lasting connections with loved ones. “Vacations are for the purpose of wellness,” says Swami Satrupananda Saraswati, Weekly Yoga Coordinator & Business Manager at Downingtown Yoga & Meditation in Downington. “They are special moments with family and friends that you will cherish for years to come. They are also for the purpose of giving you a recess from everyday life.” Make the most of your next vacation with these quick tips. Like a rustic summer camp for adults—complete with communal bedrooms and nightly bonfires—at River Mountain in Everett you can curl up in a hammock, grab your rod and reel for fishing, or take a morning yoga class in a restored mid-19th-century Mennonite barn. You’ll realign to your body’s natural Circadian rhythm as you rise with the sun, wander across 150 acres of nature, dine on environmentally conscious cuisine or curated grill master kits, and rest among nature’s calm. Wander and explore but don’t forget to pay tribute to those who came before: Stroll the Warrior Path alongside the Sweet Root Creek, used by the Iroquois Nation in wars with other Native American tribes. Just to the south of the property lie 13 unmarked graves of enslaved people who died on the Underground Railroad en route to freedom. Calm travel anxiety. For many of us, travel days can feel hectic. Research your destination before you go, download a meditation or relaxation podcast on your phone, and give yourself plenty of time to fly or drive. Another tool is yogic breathing. “It is slow, easy breath with an emphasis on listening to the sound of your breath,” explains Saraswati. “It sounds like the ocean waves lapping onto the shore.” Stay active . Get your body moving, whether that’s taking a guided walking tour of a historic city, renting a bike to explore urban trails, or pulling over during road trips for a quick hike to a scenic overlook. Fuel your body. Give your body all the nutrients it needs with plenty of healthy foods and water. Stop at a pop-up farmers market or farm stand for fresh fruit and locally made snacks. Build in free time. Give yourself permission to stray from itineraries. “If your vacation is go-go-go, find a few moments in the day to slow down,” says Saraswati. “Put your legs up—literally. Read a book, preferably an uplifting one.” Prioritize rest. It can be difficult sleeping in a new place, so bring earplugs and a sleep mask to make sure you can fully recharge to be your best self on vacation. Appreciate the present. “Mindfulness is about being present in the moment,” says Saraswati. “Being here and now in this space and time. You chose your vacation because you love the place or the people you are with. So become present in that location and with those people.” River Mountain Everett RIVER MOUNTAIN (ALL PHOTOS) River Mountain Everett visitPA.com 51
Pennsylvania Happy Traveler Guide 2023: Page 51
