Aeroplane Know How

Flying can take a lot out of you. Instead of arriving feeling exhausted, why not try these simple tips to keep you feeling good while you fly and arrive feeling fresh:

Drink up

The air in the cabin of an aeroplane is extremely dry. That’s why it is extra important to stay hydrated. Try to drink a quarter of a litre of water for every hour you’re on the plane - avoid dehydrating liquid like coffee and alcohol.

Get up

Get out of your seat and walk around whenever you can, especially on a long flight. Roam the aisle or stand at the back of the plane. If the drinks trolley is in your way or the seat belt sign on, then stretch in your seat. Stretch your arms out in front of you, bend and arch your back, roll your head and shoulders and rotate your ankles.

A good in flight neck stretch

Reach over your head with your left arm and gently put your hand on the right side of your head. Lean your head to the left and gently pull your head over with your hand for an extra stretch. Keep your shoulders down and relaxed, and take a deep breath. Switch to the other side.

Breathe

Take a deep, relaxing yoga breath. Sit up straight, but relaxed. Let your hands relax by your sides. Inhale slowly, filling your chest with air. Then, slowly exhale, emptying your chest of air. On the exhale, concentrate on pulling your stomach back towards your spine. Then repeat.

Avoid jet lag

Flying to another time zone takes its toll on your body. It upsets your internal clock that tells you when to sleep, wake up and eat. This can give you a headache, make you feel dizzy, and upset your stomach. To lessen the effects as soon as you get on the plane, change your watch to the time of your destination. Try to sleep when it is night there. Eat at the mealtime of your destination, even if that means bringing your own snack on the plane. These little changes will help you adjust to the new time zone a bit faster.

These are just a few of the many exercises, tips and advice that I give my clients who regularly travel with their work. If you are interested in finding out more about our seminar programmes please email me.

Scott Humphries is the Managing Director of Core Training UK Limited and has many high profile clients from the corporate world.

Note: None of the information provided in this article is meant as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of any of the exercises, therapeutic methods or recipes given on this website, consult your doctor. Core Training cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage caused as a result of following the exercises or recipes on this website or using any of the therapeutic methods described.