There can be hundreds of reasons why many people choose to live in their vans. And for the past years, more and more individuals are considering this lifestyle because of the liberating benefits that it can offer. You get to live your life while traveling, from seeing new places, trying unique foods, and meeting new people.

Apart from the freedom, you get to make new experiences and memories while living simply and spending less money. However, despite such amazing benefits, some people living in the van have difficulty sticking to a healthy lifestyle given their limited space and other on-the-road barriers. If you’re currently struggling with this, too, you can find the tips below useful for living a healthy lifestyle in your van.

Try the local activities

If stretching and doing some simple workout routines is no fun for your adventurous soul, then you can stay active by trying out activities available in the area you’re currently in. Check what the locals or tourists are doing for fun. You can go to a local skate park, climb a mountain, or jump in the lake for a swim. There are other areas that host hiking events, free yoga sessions, and different community classes. This isn’t just an excellent way to get your body moving but also an opportunity to meet the locals.

Plan for healthy meals

We cannot stress this enough. Eating healthy food for should be a top priority, especially if you’re living on the road. Load up your small fridge with grains, veggies, and fruits from the local markets. It’s also best to stock up on the basic seasonings and condiments that you can use for almost any recipe. For instance, there’s Filipino fish sauce that is perfect for fish and meat marinade, and yes, it can be a dipping sauce, too. Check on the local food staples in the area to give you more ideas and explore different healthy and authentic recipes.

Prioritize comfy sleep

We know you’ve already heard this advice a hundred times, but we’re going to remind you again, get quality sleep even when you’re on the road. Sleep is essential to give your body and mind the rest they need and recover for another busy day. This is even more necessary if you’re a relatively active person. Make sure the bed space in your van is good enough for you to sleep comfortably.

Visit the local gyms

Another great way to get your body moving is to visit fitness centers or gyms in the area. This is a convenient alternative if you’re currently settling in a place that offers limited nature activities or you’re in the city. But apart from the fitness benefits, these facilities are also perfect for having a long hot shower that you barely have while traveling on the road. Typically, you can access a gym and its facilities for around $7, but if you’re lucky and friendly enough, you might meet someone on the way to give you vouchers for free showers.

Create self-care rituals

If there’s one healthy habit that you shouldn’t forget, that’s your self-care ritual. Just because you live in a van doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself in a luxurious way. In fact, you can turn your van into a spa. This is now fairly easy and affordable, given the available DIYspa treatmentsout there today. You can get some all-natural facial masks at the store or make your own using simple ingredients like oatmeal, olive oil, and honey. Want to level up the experience? You can purchase self-massage tools to pamper and relax your body.

Go on daily walks

If you think this is just another physical activity suggestion, you’re mistaken. Daily walks are not merely for some exercise; it’s also a form of holistic self-care. It can help you relax, put you in a good mood, have time to think, or just breathe in some fresh air. Experts recommend going on a 20-minute walk if you just had a heavy meal. In case you are feeling stressed out or anxious, walking can help you clear your mind and refuel your energy bars. You can also take an end-of-the-day stroll and watch the beautiful sunset.

From the freedom to the simplicity, it’s undeniable that living the van life can be genuinely rewarding for those who crave these things. However, it’s still important to prioritize your help on top of those exciting adventures. After all, you can’t possibly enjoy that van life if your health is suffering.