HOW TO SURVIVE A LONG FLIGHT
Before we dive into practical tips on how to survive a long flight, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of starting your journey with a confident and positive mindset. Like many things in life, travel is a mental game. Fear and anxiety can make it difficult to handle stressful situations that we would normally manage with ease. Mindfulness meditation and positive affirmations are effective strategies. Before boarding or even before leaving home, close your eyes, focus on your breath, and let all your thoughts come and go. Repeat positive statements that reflect the emotions and traits you wish to embody at the airport and during your flight. Once your mindset is right, you can start focusing on some tricks to survive your long flight.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
If you don’t have a meeting right after your flight, choose loungewear. Stretchable clothes will help you feel more comfortable and reduce the negative effects of long hours of sitting on blood circulation. Opt for comfortable pants and breathable tops made of light materials. Cardigans are always a good option to carry, along with compression socks, which help improve circulation and prevent heavy legs.
Bring Sanitizing Wipes
Sanitizing wipes is incredibly useful. You can use them for a quick cleaning of your armrests, seat belt, seat back, tray, and washroom. Use them before and after your meals and every time you need to touch your face, like during your skincare routine.
Stay Hydrated
Not the most exciting advice, but you should avoid alcohol, moderate your coffee consumption, and drink plenty of water to prevent the high-altitude drying effects. Staying hydrated can prevent dry eyes, headaches, and dizziness.
In-Flight Skin Care
Just like your body, your skin needs hydration. Bring your face and hand creams with you and apply them several times during your flight. You can use face oil every hour to help your skin maintain moisture (don’t forget to bring travel sizes). Sunscreen is a key component of your skincare routine on land, and it’s just as important in the air. UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes due to the thinner ozone layer, increasing your risk of UV exposure.
Try to Sleep
Even if your favorite movie is available on the TV, try to sleep. It will help you recover faster. A travel pillow is your best friend for surviving a long flight, helping to avoid neck and back tension and possibly reducing snoring. You can find some tips on how to choose your ideal pillow here. Sleeping during the flight can help shorten your travel time and minimize jet lag.
Eye Masks and Noise-Canceling Accessories
Both are essential for improving sleep quality and helping regulate your circadian rhythm by limiting light and noise. If you want to practice meditation or have a sound healing session during your flight to control anxiety and relax, these accessories will help you disconnect from the outside world and focus on yourself and your emotions.
Relieve the Discomfort in Your Back
There are a few routines you can follow in your seat to help decompress your back and relieve muscle tension. Start by placing your left hand on your right knee and your right hand on your right hip. Turn the top part of your body to look at your headrest. Keep your back straight, press your hand against your knee, and breathe. Repeat on the other side. This exercise will help reduce tension in your lower back. For your upper back, press your hands on your knees, round your back, and put your head between your arms, looking at your belly button. Then do the opposite by arching your back and looking at the ceiling. Repeat.
Stretch Your Legs
Pay special attention to stretching routines during your flight to improve blood circulation, focusing mainly on your calves, which are known as the “second heart” and promote blood circulation in your lower body. Follow these steps: Raise one knee and place your foot on your seat. Put your hands around your knee. Press your knee against your chest and breathe five times. Repeat on the other side. If you can’t stand up and walk, exercise your calves by stretching and standing on your tiptoes. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat the movement five times.
Now you’re ready to survive a long flight and have an easy recovery. And if you need any travel accessories, don’t forget to stop by one of the Be Relax spas on your way to your gate.
