As more and more people are traveling by air, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that flyers take care of their health while onboard planes.
Being cramped up in a small space and surrounded by other people can make maintaining a healthy lifestyle challenging. Here are 30 tips for staying healthy when flying:.
: Before the Flight
: 1. Get the necessary vaccinations
Prior to flying, ensure that you are up-to-date with any required vaccinations, and check if any new vaccines are required at your intended destination.
: 2. Pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer can be very useful before, during and after a flight.
: 3. Carry a refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated on a flight is essential. Carrying your own water bottle can help you avoid dehydration.
: 4. Book an aisle seat
Booking an aisle seat allows you to move around and stretch your legs more comfortably during the flight.
: During the Flight
: 5. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you at high altitudes and can affect your sleeping patterns. It’s best to avoid them.
: 6. Take mini workout breaks
Take a 5-10 minutes stretching break every hour on long haul flights.
: 7. Wear comfortable clothing
Avoid tight-fitting clothes, high heels and restrictive belts and wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict your movements.
: 8. Use the pillow provided
Using the pillow provided can help you sleep better, relax and can also prevent neck pain.
: 9. Use noise-cancelling headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs can help block out the ambient noise on the plane and help you sleep better.
: 10. Wash your hands regularly
Washing your hands regularly will help keep you germ-free.
: 11. Carry healthy snacks
Avoid unhealthy snacks and food served on flights. Bring your own healthy snacks if possible.
: 12. Try to sleep
Try to sleep to help beat jet lag and enable your body to recover.
: After the Flight
: 13. Take small meal portions
Small meal portions are easier to digest and keep you energized after the flight.
: 14. Rest
Take an adequate rest after the flight and avoid physical exertion immediately after the flight.
: 15. Take a walk
Taking a walk immediately after landing can help improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots.
: 16. Stay hydrated
Continue to stay hydrated after the flight to prevent dehydration.
: 17. Eat a balanced meal
After the flight, eat a well-balanced meal to replenish nutrients lost during the flight.
: 18. Monitor your health
Monitor your health in the days following the flight and seek medical assistance if necessary.
: Jet Lag
: 19. Adjust your sleep schedule a few days before the trip
Adjusting your sleep schedule ahead of time can help ease the effects of jet lag.
: 20. Use natural light
Exposure to natural light can help regulate your body clock and minimize jet lag.
: 21. Get enough sleep
Getting adequate sleep before and after the flight can help minimize the effects of jet lag.
: 22. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated can help alleviate the effects of jet lag.
: Circulation
: 23. Wear comfortable clothing
Wearing comfortable clothing can help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
: 24. Move your legs
Moving your legs periodically and doing leg exercises can help encourage blood flow, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
: 25. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated can encourage healthy circulation.
: 26. Choose an aisle seat
Choosing an aisle seat can help enable you to move and stretch your legs more frequently.
: Immunity
: 27. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated can help boost your immunity.
: 28. Wash your hands regularly
Washing your hands regularly can help prevent the spread of germs.
: 29. Carry a hand sanitizer
Carrying a hand sanitizer can be a useful way to keep germs at bay.
: 30. Avoid being in close proximity to other passengers who may be unwell
Try to avoid sitting or standing close to somebody who appears to be ill.