A Note From Dr. Pam
When I was growing up, we didn’t travel much around the holidays. My father was a minister, and November through January were busy with church services and community events. But every so often, we’d pack up the car for the five-hour drive to my grandparents’ house in Milton, Pennsylvania. And yes, my sister Elaine and I were the kids who always asked, “Are we there yet?” The moment we pulled into the driveway, we were out running around the yard. Looking back, my parents were in their forties and fifties then, and while it didn’t take them long to get out of the car, I noticed they always paused to stretch a little before heading inside.
Holiday travel can leave your body feeling stiff, achy, and tight. To keep your joints and circulation healthy, add gentle movement whenever you can. Roll your ankles, flex your calves, shift your hips, or draw slow shoulder circles. These small actions keep you comfortable even when you’re sitting for hours. It’s not about exercise — it’s about giving your body what it needs when you’re in one position: motion.
A Moment of Reflection
How often do you stay completely still during travel — waiting for the ride to be over instead of giving your body a little motion to stay comfortable?
Try This
On your next long drive or flight, try setting a reminder every 30–45 minutes. Do a few ankle rolls, shoulder circles, or seated pelvic shifts. Even small, slow movements keep circulation steady and prevent stiffness from setting in.