How to prepare your body for a long flight?
  • 23 May, 2024
  • Travel tips
  • Travomint

How to prepare your body for a long flight?

It's critical to prepare your body for a lengthy travel in order to maximise comfort and minimise the possibility of fatigue or stiffness upon arrival. The following advice can help you prepare:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Dress comfortably
  • Move regularly 
  • Pack snacks 
  • Adjust sleep schedule

What are the best exercises to do before a long flight?

The long flight journey always impacts a passenger's body as they cannot rest properly, have jet lag issues, etc. To avoid these kinds of problems, there are certain exercises that the passengers can follow before the flight departure. There is no need to do intense workouts; some basic moments and stretching exercises are enough to keep you fit and healthy during the travel. If you do not have information about the exercise you need to do before a long flight, then you will need to go through the information below. 

  • The Quad Stretch: The Quadriceps are a group of muscles on the front side of your thigh that have more mass than any other muscle group. This exercise will help increase motion between the hip and knee joints, increase flexibility, reduce musculoskeletal pain, etc.
  • Stretching exercise: Stretching exercises are the best way to stay fit while traveling as they help the joints move freely, increase blood flow in the muscles, reduce the risk of muscle injuries, improve strength in physical activities, etc.
  • Take a walk: You must take a walk 20 to 30 minutes before the flight's departure, and you can do that even at the airport. Walking will help improve the functioning of the lungs and heart, manage blood pressure, get better sleep, increase energy, etc. 

How can hydration levels be optimized before a long flight, and why is it important?

Often, when we travel on flights, our body feels deprecated due to the low humidity level in the sky. Also, our bodies start displaying signs of dehydration since there is a lack of oxygen supply. Fatigue, dizziness, headache, and dry skin or mouth are common symptoms of dehydration. We must keep our bodies well-nurtured and hydrated to avoid all these situations. To Optimize their water intake before or even during travel, travelers are expected to refer to the following important pointers: 

  • Hydrate before beginning your trip. You can carry up to 100 ml of liquid even during a trip. You can even ask the flight attendant to refill your bottle.
  • Consider carrying electrolyte powder packs to keep you hydrated throughout your journey. 
  • Consume in-flight beverages such as seltzer, herbal tea, and milk
  • In all conditions, Avoid Alcohol.
  • You can even supplement yourself with hydrating fruits or plain yogurt. 

What foods should be consumed or avoided before flying?

Foods that you eat are one of the most important parts of keeping healthy on the long flight journey; there are many things that you will need to avoid while traveling, like fried food, as it can cause heartburn; red meat, as it is not that easy to digest, the items which can contain caffeine like coffee as it can dry up your body, Alcoholl as it will increase urine production which can cause fluid loss, etc. Instead, you need to take in the food items mentioned below. 

  • Fruits such as Bananas, Watermelons, and Oranges contain potassium, Vitamin C, and other nutrients that improve immunity, blood pressure, and other health conditions. 
  •  Leafy and other green vegetables such as spinach.
  • Electrolyte powder packs to keep the body hydrated
  • Take in flight beverages that have benefits like flavor seltzer, herbal tea, etc.

Are there specific clothing choices that can enhance comfort during a long flight?

Yes, you must wear certain specific clothing while traveling on a flight to make your travel more comfortable. The type of clothes you wear will matter the most when you have a long flight route. The clothes that will make your travel hassle-free are stretchy or loose-fitting pants, cardigans, breathable tops, comfy shoes, Wraps or Shwals, loose loungewear, etc. The more you wear comfortable clothes, the more you will be able to move your body freely. Also read What should you carry on bag for a long flight.