If you are an adventurous type who would rather be traipsing the globe and exploring the untouched corners of the earth than be tied down to one spot, a health issue can seem like the end of the world. That’s especially true if your health dilemma makes traveling and mobility a challenge.

There are some things you can do that will help get you back into better health, and put you in a far better frame of mind. Now that science and eastern philosophies seem to be merging in their agreement on how important the workings of the mind are on the body, even the most traditional of western physicians seem to be open to the healing powers of meditation, yoga and many other eastern traditions. In fact, it seems that your mental attitude has a lot to do with your overall health.
What does this have to do with your health and your ability to travel? It’s really quite simple. Use the objects from your adventures, the memories of your travels, and inspirations from both to create a healing space and time in the middle of your current lodgings. You may wish you were climbing a mountain or trekking though a forest. However, if you can convince your mind that you are, then your body can truly benefit.

Here are some pointers to get you there:

1. Find a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed. I’m a big fan of outdoor areas where you can hear the wind and smell the flowers. However, you can just as easily find a comfy chair in the corner of your house where you can sit without distractions. A cozy couch with your favorite throw can relax you the moment you sink into it.Just make sure that everyone knows this is your time.

2. Devote time everyday to relaxation. Pick and time and mark it on your calendar. Now each day at that time you will retreat to your chosen sanctuary and engage in some sort of meditation, prayer, breathing or other form or relaxation designed to slow your body.

3. Find a focal point. Here’s where you get to bring in a bit of your adventures. Pick some object that you can put in your space that will remind you of the feelings you want to recapture. It may be a tiny object like a perfect conch shell from a walk along the beach. Or if you’ve chosen a porch or outdoor setting you might want a piece of furniture like an Adirondack chair or a porch swing. As you sit, swing, or concentrate just pay attention to your breath and remember the feeling you are trying to recapture.

There is a mountain of evidence that your overall health is connected to your ability to relax. Of course, you’ll still want to follow your doctor’s advice and take advantage of any appropriate medications to help support your needs. Just remember that your adventures are only beginning as long as you’ve still got the power of your mind.