How to Stay Healthy During a Air Travel

Summer travel season is upon us! Air travel literally broadens our world but it can be extremely hard on the body. Follow the tips below to be a fresh and happy traveler!

Stock Up on Sleep Beforehand

• At least a week before you travel, aim for getting an extra hour of sleep in your routine.

• This will help you feel more refreshed and energetic, and ease all the little minor inconveniences that come with even smooth air travel.

• Beginning your travel rested will also help you more easily adjust to jet leg when you arrive at your destination.

  I did this to the extreme and it worked like a charm. Read about it here.

Strategically Pack Your Luggage

• Pack a manageable amount of luggage, so you won’t be exhausted and frustrated hauling around too much stuff on your busy travel day.

• It is tempting to try to stuff everything in your carryon to avoid checking a bag, but remember you’ll be fighting with a heavy, overflowing bag all day. When you change flights, you’ll have to drag it around and hope it fits into the overhead bin if you have a smaller plan for one of your travel legs.

• Make it easy on yourself and just check a bag and take a simple carry on. Wallet, passport, phone, makeup, and a good book make a quick, easy carry on. As a bonus, you’ll have more room for shoes in your luggage, which men and women can get behind.

Get Up and Move!

• Move around before and after the flight. If you get to your gate early, do some squats, stretch, or make an extra lap through the terminal.

• If you have a long flight, walk to the restroom and back every couple hours. I know you don’t want to disturb your fellow passengers to get to the aisle, but that’s the reality of air travel. They signed up for it, and it’s worth it for your health.

Strategically Use Caffeine

• Don’t drink more caffeine that you would on a typical day.

• If possible, drink caffeine on a schedule that is in line with the time zone you are landing in. For example, if you traveled 6 hours west and now have 6 extra hours to stay awake, your evening coffee would be more like afternoon coffee.

Drink Water and Minimize Alcohol Intake

• While caffeine can be a strategic indulgence, alcohol is really a comforting indulgence. However, it can make travel much tougher if you drink too much.

• For smoother travel, remember to hydrate with water, and maybe save the alcohol for when you land.

Acclimate to the Rhythms of the New Time Zone

• As quickly as possible, try to adjust to the new time zone. This refers to your sleep, exercise, and eating schedules.

• If you land during dinnertime at your new time zone, eat dinner.

• If you are a morning runner, get up and run in the morning there, even though it’ll feel strange at first.

• Likewise, do your best to catch up to the sleep schedule to minimize jet lag.

• These rhythms help our body adjust to a new time zone quicker, so you’ll have a more fun and energetic trip.

Where is your next flight adventure? Let me know, and try adding some of these tips in your next flight for healthy and carefree air travel!

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