Travelsavvywanderer
Flying to your dream destination is exciting, but it can be hard on your body and mind. Even people who love flying often dislike the experience because of airsickness, cold air-conditioned environments, indigestion, and more. So, how do you stay healthy while flying?
This post offers some helpful tips to stay comfortable and healthy during your travels. It covers staying hydrated, reducing motion sickness, improving blood flow, and adjusting to different time zones. Whether you frequently fly or it’s been a while since your last trip, these tips will help you feel good and energized upon arrival.
Have you ever experienced headaches, sinus pain, leg aches, feeling too cold, or trouble sleeping? Many people have. Flying often forces our bodies to adjust quickly to a new environment, which can make us feel unwell.
According to Harvard researchers, preparing your body for the flight, especially a long one, can help. For instance, not eating for about 16 hours before boarding can engage a special clock in the brain that helps with adjusting to new time zones. This clock is different from the body’s circadian clock, which regulates sleep, wakefulness, and hunger.
Here are some tips for staying healthy while flying:
– Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to combat the dry cabin air and prevent dehydration. Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you further.
– Minimize Motion Sickness: Sitting for long periods can cause circulation issues and discomfort. Combat this by walking up and down the aisle, doing simple in-seat exercises, and wearing compression socks to promote healthy blood flow.
– Skin Care: Low humidity levels in the airplane cabin can dry out your skin. Apply a rich moisturizer before your flight and use a hydrating facial mist during the journey.
– Dress Comfortably: Wear loose clothing in layers. Your body might take time to adjust to the cabin temperature, sometimes feeling too cold.
– Get Rest: For long flights, especially when crossing time zones, rest is crucial. Use a neck pillow and earplugs for comfort, and consider using a blanket for added warmth.
– Reduce Noise Fatigue: Cabin noise can make you feel tired. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help you sleep better.
– Maintain Hygiene: Airplanes can be hotspots for germs. Use disinfecting wipes to clean your seating area, including the tray table, armrests, and seatbelt buckles.
– Adjust to New Time Zones: Adapt your sleep and meal schedule to match your destination’s time zone to minimize jet lag. Set your watch to the new time zone as soon as you board the plane to prepare mentally.
If you need more tips on what to eat or avoid, consider looking into articles from nutritionists. There are also various guides available that offer remedies for jet lag and other travel-related issues.
Taking care of your well-being while flying is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Whether you fly often or are going on a much-anticipated trip, following these tips will help make your journey healthier and more refreshing. By addressing both physical and mental aspects of air travel, you can arrive at your destination ready to enjoy new adventures. Safe travels!
