Traveling on long flights can be both exciting and exhausting, especially when it comes to maintaining your health and well-being during the journey.
Being on a plane for hours on end can take a toll on your body, from dehydration and poor circulation to jet lag and fatigue. You might also experience some form of sickness or discomfort, such as swollen limbs, eyes, or a running stomach.
To ensure a comfortable and healthy travel experience, it’s important to take care of yourself before, during, and after your flight.
In this article, we’ll share some essential health tips that you can use to stay healthy and comfortable on your next long flight.
10 Essential Health Tips for Long Flights
Here are some health tips for long flights to help you avoid uncomfortable problems
1. Drink more water
Plans are known for their low humidity. A comfortable indoor humidity is around 30 to 65 percent, while that of an airplane is around 10 to 20 percent. As a result, you need proper hydration to be able to handle everything the long flight sends to you.
Water is preferred over electrolyte-heavy beverages and fruit juices. Also, avoid caffeinated beverages such as soda and caffeine while on the plane.
It is advised to take a bottle of water every hour on the plane, as this will help you visit the bathroom more frequently, which gives you an opportunity to stretch your legs.
2. Wear comfortable clothes
When going for a long flight, it is advised to pick clothes that give you maximum comfort and allow for proper breathing and easy movement.
Tight clothes are bad for long flights; they slow down the flow of blood circulation in your body, which increases your chances of developing motion sickness.
Also, go for clothes made of breathable fabric such as cotton, linen, rayon, nylon, and polyester.
Additionally, get some compression stockings as they help prevent your feet from getting swollen and the appearance of deep-vein thrombosis and blood clots.
3. Do not skip breakfast
Skipping breakfast increases your craving for unhealthy food or snacks later during the day, which isn’t good for you, especially on long flights. Get a healthy breakfast and avoid the delicious buffet at the lounge or hotel.
In addition to having a healthy breakfast, pack some healthy snacks in your bag, in case you don’t get lucky to have healthier options on the plane meal menu.
This can help you avoid unhealthy snacks and overeating.
4. Avoid alcohol
One of the potent health tips for long flights is to avoid alcohol. Alcohol threatens your airplane wellness.
It increases the rate of your body’s dehydration and makes it difficult for your cells to absorb oxygen. This makes you more stressed and uncomfortable on the plane.
5. Exercise your calves
Scientifically, long flights have been shown to increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). One of the ways to reduce the risk of DVT is to exercise your calves.
This can be done by simply walking to the back of the plane and back, using the restroom frequently, or tapping your feet to keep your body ahead.
Also, you can try out some leg stretches. All you have to do is; simply bend and bring your chest down to meet your thighs and stretch back upwards. You can do this repeatedly for some minutes at intervals.
6. Wear compression socks
Wearing compression socks during long flights is an essential health tip for long flights because they help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of your legs due to prolonged immobility.
Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, promoting better blood flow and reducing swelling.
This improved circulation helps minimize the risk of blood clots, which can be a serious health concern during extended periods of sitting, such as on long flights.
7. Breathe and meditate
Take some deep breaths to relax after settling on your seats. Also, you can try out some breathing and meditation techniques, as they help, especially if you are nervous about flying or stressed from the long hours.
8. Take care of your skin
The low humidity in the cabin can cause dry skin. Use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. You can also use a face mist to refresh your skin throughout the flight.
Apply lip balm to prevent dry and cracked lips. Use eye drops to prevent dryness and irritation. Avoid wearing makeup on the flight as it can dry out your skin.
9. Rest and sleep
Bring a travel neck pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask to help you sleep on the flight.
Resting and sleeping can help you avoid jet lag and feel more refreshed when you arrive. Also, try to sync your sleep with your destination’s time zone to reduce jet lag.
10. Practice good hygiene
Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs. Use disinfecting wipes to clean your tray table, armrests, and other surfaces.
Conclusion
Long trips can also be fun if you practice what has been listed above. If you have any health issues, ensure to consult your doctor before going on a long flight.
