While it may be challenging to maintain health and fitness in the small space that van life allowson the road, it is certainly achievable with these easy tips and a decent van life power system that allows you some of the luxuries of home.
Four Healthy Tips For Living The Van Life In Australia
Choosing van life gives you the option to wake up in a new place every day.
You’re free to drive the Great Ocean Road at your own pace - when you have the right power system in place to enable remote work, the pressure to get home is off.
Make the most of experiencing the peaceful surroundings and the dawn chorus that comes with exercising or meditating in the morning. You are less likely to skip your workout and may even see some furry friends awakening.
Make The Most Of The Great Outdoors
Take advantage of the great outdoors, by engaging in activities such as, hiking, rock climbing, diving, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking or mountain biking. Exercise should not be a chore during your travels, yoga, jogging, swimming are all easy and free ways to keep moving. Pack a frisbee, basketball, soccer ball, volleyball, tennis or golf ball and you may find some flat ground to play on.
Make A Plan to Workout A Few Times Every Week
To stay healthy and fit while living the van life in Australia, create an achievable exercise plan. For example, aim to exercise for 30 minutes, three times each week. Place it somewhere you look at regularly, or add a regular reminder into the calendar on your phone.
The plan should include a little bit of strength work, some cardio and some core work. It’s as easy as going for a walk one day, doing some bodyweight exercises on another and finishing up the week with a swim, a yoga session or a bike ride, depending on what’s available where you are that day.
Hiking or running are both free activities (though you will want a good pair of shoes!) and offer an immersive way to explore a new town or area you visit during your travels. Compared to driving, running tends to be more sensory and experiential, while still covering more ground than walking.
If you miss going to the gym, pilates, or spin class, try bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks they can be done anywhere, anytime. This makes fitness easy on the road, as it requires little to no equipment.
Resistance bands are lightweight and easy to pack, also making them a great option for on-the-go workouts. These bands come in a variety of strengths and can be used for a full-body workout. There are also countless apps and YouTube videos available that provide bodyweight workout routines and fitness advice.
Make Time To Connect With Yourself
Regular meditation practice can help calm the mind, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being and sleep quality. By meditating you lower the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. Practice self-care by taking breaks, journaling, reading, or doing other relaxing activities that help unwind and de-stress.
Training your mind to focus on the present moment can improve driving concentration and attention, helping you to own the road and embrace van life on your terms.
Meditation can cultivate an awareness and gratitude for your surroundings and the environment. You can use guided meditation or practice a simple technique such as Japa or Vedic meditation.
Be inspired: A Guide To Van Life In Townsville
Sleep Well, Drink Water And Cook Your Own Food
When living in a van, sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and energy levels, especially if you are driving long distances each day. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and establish a regular sleep routine to help you fall asleep and wake up easier. If you need a CPAP machine for a good night of rest, you can take one with you, powering it with a Go Block or an inverter connected to a battery system.
Make sure you drink plenty of water is also essential to drink throughout the day, especially if travelling through hot and dry climates. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and other health problems, so make sure to carry a water bottle and refill it often.
It's a good organisational habit to plan out your snacks throughout the day, such as trail mix, granola bars, and fresh fruit. Consider how you will store food while camping, such as overnight oats in a portable fridge. Plan meals by prepping the ingredients, cooking equipment and meals in advance. It is easiest to plan your meals around the equipment you have available.
Living In A Van In Australia Doesn’t Mean Sacrificing Health and Fitness
Whilst living in a van comes with challenges, ensuring you have the right solar setup, battery and inverter means you can enjoy many comforts and luxuries, from a kettle and toaster to electric cooking, refrigeration and even a hair dryer.
REDARC’s Pure Sine Wave Inverter is a very useful accessory for your vehicle, providing all the power you would use at home. Plug in any device such as, juicers, air fryers, recipes on your laptop and other health related ‘plug-ins’ that you would normally use at home.
For more information on the benefits of Pure Sine Wave Inverters, check out Justin from Patriot Campers video.
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Life
Is it easy to live in a van in Australia?
In most states in Australia there are areas where you have to pay for camping, so be sure to check out the free and low-cost campsites before you choose your destination for the night. With the right setup, including power and cooking facilities, living in a van is pretty easy.
Is it realistic to live in a van?
While living in a van comes with challenges due to the small space (unless you choose a bus like Brent Draper), being close to nature has many benefits. A reliable and sufficient power supply, including a dual battery system and solar panels, will mean you can keep your devices charged and eat healthy food by cooking with electricity. With a fridge, coffee machine and even an air con, van life becomes much more luxurious.
How do you shower when living in a van in Australia?
Showering whilst you’re off-grid is still possible with a solar water heater, that way you don’t have to have a cold shower or wait until you reach a service station or gym. You may choose to have a shower setup external to your van, or if you have a larger van like a Sprinter or an Avida, you have a shower installed inside the van for convenience.
