Tips to relieve pain and tension on the go

From New York City, to the beaches and our great national parks, the best vacations should involve more fun than stress. Consider scheduling a massage before you leave in order to have something in place after you get home. While you are out on the road, in the air or on the trail, here are four ways to work out tension.

For your neck and back

Your neck and back may need attention when you are away especially if you are doing a lot of driving. Try these stretches at least 3 times a day for the best benefit. You can even do these on a plane or in the car.

1. Release your neck and shoulders. Sit straight. Inhale and squeeze your shoulders up toward your ears. Hold tightly for several seconds and relax as you exhale. Repeat.

2. Relieve back pain. Sit with your back straight. Pull your right knee toward you. Hold for 10 seconds. Release. Switch legs and repeat. Do this sequence 3 times.

Relieve foot pain

Whether you’re walking in the woods or in the city, your feet and legs can take a beating. Here are two ways to revive them with water.

1. Bring along favorite essential oils such as lavender, peppermint and/or lemon. If you can buy Epsom or sea salts, add them plus 2 or 3 drops of essential oil to a basin or bathtub of very warm water. Soak for 20 minutes and dry your feet briskly with a towel.

2. If your feet get hot and achy when you are out hiking, biking or running, there are few things better than stopping to plunge your feet in a cold stream or lake for as long as you can take. Afterward, let them dry in the sun and give each of them a quick massage.