Tips for Long Haul Flights

Simple tips to make your journey more enjoyable.

Take care of your health on long haul flights

Long haul flights are a necessity in this era of globalization. However, travelling for such long hours can be troublesome and uncomfortable. Sitting in the same space with minimal movement can lead to common ailments like back pain, jet lag and boredom, and more serious health hazards like Deep Vein Thrombosis.

The easiest way to prevent such conditions while flying is to remain agile. Here are a few easy onboard exercises and tips to help you loosen up your stiff muscles.

Leg Lifts

Carry out feet exercises during long haul flights

Prevent feet muscle cramps and heel pain with this simple exercise:
Step 1: Sit properly with both your feet flat.
Step 2: Lift both your feet together, maintaining the distance between them.
Step 3: Rotate your feet anti-clockwise and then clockwise
Step 4: Repeat this process at frequent intervals.

Neck Nods

Being immobile for hours could lead to stiff upper body. Carry out these steps to release muscle tension:

Move your head to release tension in the neck and shoulders

Step 1: Sit straight with your head raised
Step 2: Tilt your head to one side
Step 3: Tilt your head down and then to the other side Step 4: Repeat whenever your neck and shoulders feel stiff.

Pump up!

Exercise your palm muscles

Exercise your palm muscles using rubber balls to stimulate blood circulation. Follow these steps for a relaxing fist exercise:
Step 1: Keep the rubber ball in your palm and squeeze it. Hold for 5 seconds and release the pressure.

Step 2: Repeat the process 10 times.

Other Tips for Long-distance Flights

Drink Lots of Water: Keep your body well hydrated with water and other fluids. Intake of electrolyte solutions serves this purpose well. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee on your flights as it dehydrates the body.

Breathe Easy: Breathing exercises can keep you alert and still make you feel more relaxed. All you need to do is sit upright, inhale deeply such that the stomach expands and the chest remains still. Do this eight-ten times, at a time. It reduces your anxiety levels during the flight.

Think Hard: Innovative ideas can strike anytime! The time that you are travelling can be used productively by stimulating your grey cells. Reading a good book can help you overcome boredom and keep your brain active on long flights. A transcontinental flight can become a delight with these simple tips. Once you have reached your destination, you will wonder how the time flew!

A transcontinental flight can become a delight with these simple tips. Once you have reached your destination, you will wonder how the time flew!