I fly a lot. I am aware of the stress flying can cause on my body and mind. Here are 10 tips for staying healthy in such a confined area.
1. Dress comfortably and have socks, jacket, shawl or blanket for extra warmth.Check the overhead air dial for regulation of your temperature setting.
2. Drink at least one medium sized bottle of water before and after the flight. It is easy to become dehydrated while sitting in the recycled air of a plane. Water has oxygen molecules in it that can also keep you alert if need be.
3 . Take along wet towels (no alcohol) folded into a small plastic bag. These “baby wipes” can help freshen your face and hands if touching public surfaces. The non-alcohol are easier on the skin.
4. Move as much as possible in and out of your seat. Even if you are by the window or in the middle. The people next to you will understand and you will feel less physically stressed if you do some stretches while walking up and down the aisles.
5. Do shoulder rolls, neck rolls, finger/toe stretches, ankle rotation, heel lifts and foot flexes. Some of these exercises can be found in the back of the in flight magazines in the seat pocket in front of you. I also carry a one foot pool noodle with a PVC pipe inside the inner hole. It is very versatile and can be used for a myriad of positions.
6. Deep breathe and chew something if landing causes your ears to plug up. It can be uncomfortable and even painful if your ears plug up while the cabin is decompressing. Gum can help your chewing mechanism and hence your ears.
7. Keep essential items handy in your carry-on bag. These could be many kinds of items that you put into the bag that stows under the seat. Everything from pens, plastic bags, hand wipes, mini-fan, electronics, earphones, books, camera, money, ID and credit cards, socks, snacks, drinks, eye mask, pillow, etc.
8. Pack a healthy snack. Stay away from foods high in sugar and salt. These two ingredients can cause uncomfortable changes in your body cells that contribute to sickness and upset. Try instead, fresh fruit pieces, whole wheat crackers, nuts and dried fruit, carob balls, etc.
9. Read, listen to music with headsets, play computer games, do crossword or Sudoku puzzles. Keeping yourself entertained, comfortable and happy is the key to a pleasant flight unless you want to catch up on some much needed sleep!
10. Enjoy the person next to you with pleasant conversation and laughter. You never know when you will make a friend for life!
