Flying can be a great thing, whether one is jetting off for business or leisure. It’s an opportunity to see new places and experience new cultures. On the downside, flying often presents its own particular set of challenges, mostly with regard to health and wellbeing. Confinement in the aircraft, changes in cabin pressure, and long hours of sitting can play games with your health. It is, therefore, in this blog that we will go through some practical ways to assist in maintaining good health while flying-arriving at a destination, feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Tips to Stay Healthy during Flights
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
One of the more common problems travellers deal with is dehydration. The air in aeroplane cabins is notoriously dry, which can easily dry out your skin and irritate your eyes and respiratory tract. In order to avoid dehydration,
Hydrate: Try to drink at least 8 ounces of water each hour of flying. Bring an empty water bottle with you and ask the flight attendants to refill it often. Also, try not to drink too much caffeine and alcohol as it will increase the rate your body loses water.
Hydrate your skin: Use a good-quality moisturiser on your face and hands before and during the flight. A hydrating facial mist is also good to keep the skin fresh.
- Move Around Regularly
Long periods of sitting can result in stiffness and discomfort, or even more serious issues such as DVT. For reducing the risk of these:
Stretch and Exercise: Do in-seat exercises like ankle circles, knee lifts, and shoulder rolls. Get up and walk around the cabin whenever possible. If flying long, consider using the time to do a few stretching exercises or gentle yoga poses in your seat.
Wear Compression Socks: These may help improve blood flow and lower your chances of DVT during a long-haul flight.
- Eat Smart
Food on an aeroplane is rarely healthy; bad eating will only make you lethargic. To maintain energy and wellbeing:
Snack Healthy: Pack nuts, fruits, or whole-grain crackers in your carry-on bag. Not only is this much healthier, but you will also avoid temptation for the high-sugar or high-sodium airline snacks.
Avoid Heavy Meals: Light meals before and during the flight will keep you away from bloating and discomfort. Food containing a lot of fiber and protein will help you stay full and control your energy levels.
- Overcome Jet Lag
Jet lag can leave you disoriented and tired upon arrival. In order to minimize its effects:
Sleep Pattern Adjustment: A couple of days before leaving, gradually try to readjust your sleeping pattern to come close to the time zone you are going to. This might be easier on your body.
Stay Active: The moment you arrive, get outside in the sun and let it help reset your biological clock. Light exercise, like walking or jogging, will also help your body get into rhythm.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can be a jet lag catalyst, so continue drinking enough water.
- Observe Good Hygiene
Planes are normally just incubators of germs; hence, paying attention to personal hygiene is very necessary.
Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands from time to time with soap and water, particularly before eating. If there is no facility to wash, then at least use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cleanse Your Environment: Use disinfectant wipes to clean the tray table, armrests, and other surfaces around your seat. It would help to reduce your exposure to germs.
- Be Prepared for Changes in Cabin Pressure
During flight, when cabin pressure gets lowered, you may experience some minor effects on your ears and, actually, comfort in general:
Use Earplugs: There are special earplugs for flying to equalize the pressure in your ears and reduce discomfort.
Monitor Ear Pressure During Descent: Regular yawning and swallowing work to normalize ear pressure. Don’t sleep during the descent of a plane to keep the adjustments of ear pressure under control.
- Pay Attention to Your Psychological Condition
Long flights and stress caused by travelling have an effect on your mental state. In order to feel composed and relaxed:
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Make use of one or more of various relaxation methods like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to soft music for stress management or reducing anxiety.
Entertain Yourself: The books, podcasts, or movies will help you be distracted and will give you the feeling that time is just passing fairly well.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing
Comfortable clothes will no doubt make a huge difference in how you will feel during and after flying:
Wear Loose Clothes: Wearing loose clothes that are breathable, will keep you away from discomfort and ensure proper blood circulation.
Dress in Layers: The aircraft cabins might get too hot or cold, so it is always better to dress in layers to adjust your comfort level with ease.
- Know and Prepare for Your Health Needs
If you have particular health needs or concerns, take the following steps:
Consult your physician if you have ongoing health concerns or are pregnant to determine if you need to take special precautions or advice.
Carry Medications: If you are on certain medications, make sure you have enough and in their original wrappings. Have these medications with you in your carry-on bag and note any regulations for bringing medications through airport security.
- Keep Informed
Last but not least, being informed about your flight and destination may help someone to get better or differently prepared:
Check Weather and Flight Updates: Knowing what to expect will help in planning and adjusting health strategies accordingly.
Become familiar with local health recommendations: If you are travelling internationally, get information about any health concerns or requirements for your destination.
Conclusion
It”s Important to understand the tips to stay healthy during flights as, Air travel doesn’t have to be a stressful or unhealthy experience. By keeping hydrated, moving regularly, eating intelligently, managing jet lag, practicing good hygiene, preparing for pressure changes, and taking care of your mental well-being, you can make some real improvements in your flying experience. As is often the case in most activities in life, the best motto is “prepare, prepare, prepare.” With the help of these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to take on all of the challenges associated with air travel and step off that plane feeling your best.
Have a safe trip and a wonderful journey!
Also Read: 5 Pitfalls to avoid in Cabin Crew Interview
