Ayurvedic Wisdom for Stress-Free Travel with Kids

The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, a science practiced for over 5,000 years, has many tried and true tools to help parents keep their kids calm during travel - an often stressful and over stimulating time.

From an Ayurvedic standpoint, one would recommend that parents start their preparation for a flight the night before. Get children to bed early so that they get plenty of sleep to cope with the day ahead. Upon rising, begin the day with a healthy grounding breakfast, like oatmeal. Add nuts and calming spices such as Nutmeg, Licorice and Cardamom. It is also important to make sure that children stay extra hydrated throughout the day, as flying can be quite imbalancing and drying. Drinking Coconut Water, Aloe Juice and adding Chia Seeds to water, are all helpful tools that help retain moisture in the body. At PAAVANI, we offer an herbal hydrating tea blend that is perfect for preparing the body for hectic travel days. Our Hydrate Blend Tea is formulated with various demulcent (water retaining) and calming herbs like Licorice, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Flax Seeds, Cinnamon and Nutmeg. These herbs are intended to help ground, nourish and moisturize the body.

Preparation for a smooth flight does not stop at home. While riding in the car on the way to the airport, choose to listen to downtempo, calming music instead of upbeat pop songs. Before taking flight, massage children’s spine and neck with relaxing essential oils such as Lavender, Vetiver or Jatamansi. PAAVANI Ayurveda also makes deliciously aromatic, travel-sized Aromatherapy Spritzers, which make nice allies while in flight. The Vata Spritzer formulated with the essential oils of Lavender, Cardamom, Palo Santo and Vetiver is an excellent choice for travel. Use to infuse the air with stress relieving aromatherapy to support children when they are needing some extra grounding after takeoff. Having snacks on the plane is also not a bad idea to help keep children feeling full and nourished. Make a quick and easy batch of Ayurvedic Bliss Balls to serve while in flight.

Ayurvedic Bliss Balls:

In your blender mix together:

8 medjool dates

¼ C. coconut flakes

1 T. ghee

1 C. nuts of your choice

1 T. honey

¼ t. powdered licorice

¼ t. powdered cardamom

¼ t. powdered nutmeg

¼ t. powdered cinnamon

1 pinch sea salt

*you may also substitute the above spices for 1 t. of our powdered Golden Milk.

Roll blended mixture into 1 Tbsp size balls and coat with shredded coconut, raw cacao powder, chopped pecans or all of the above.

As one can see, all it takes is a little planning and mindfulness to incorporate Ayurveda into one’s travel plans. By using these easy & natural Ayurvedic tips, parents can prepare for a stress-free travel day with their kids.

Hero photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hand-on-an-airplane-window-12960388/