The Return of Long Flights And How To Beat The Ailments That Come With Them
Let’s face it – it has been a while since we’ve all traveled so it is easy to let the excitement of a return to vacation cloud your memory of the physical impact of long-haul flights. Do you remember those achy muscles, dehydration, and nausea that you might have experienced on your last trip abroad? Those flight-induced ailments negatively impact your trip or at least burn days you’ve waited so long to enjoy. Here are 5 of the most common issues caused by long flights and some tried and true tricks to combat them.
1. 1. 1. Jet Lag
If you are switching time zones, jet lag is bound to happen. If you are crossing the international date line–prepare for an agonizing reality when the sun sets on one side of the plane while simultaneously rising on the other side. Jet Lag is a result of a disruption in your body clock. Your body is awake when you should be sleeping. Time zone changes, sleep deprivation and stress from traveling can all contribute and impact how you feel for several days.
What to do: You can’t avoid it, but you CAN reduce the effects. Try to follow your normal wake/sleep schedule as closely as possible regardless of what is happening outside the airplane window. I typically keep my wristwatch set to the time at home while traveling so I don’t lose track while going through airports and time zones. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Try to keep the first day of your travel itinerary flexible to accommodate any travel delays and for jet lag. Sometimes it is nice to grab a shower and a nap when you land.
2. Nausea
This could be a result of motion sickness, stress or something you ate. Traveling takes a toll on the body and nausea is a real mood-killer.
What to do: Two words: Pepto Bismol. I keep a stash of the little pink pills in my pockets, my purse and in my medicine bag. I also keep a stash of Trader Joe’s uncrystallized candied ginger handy (costs about $2 for 8 oz. bag). Ginger naturally soothes the stomach. If your problem is a result of motion sickness, try using a wristband designed for that or take Dramamine. Opt for ginger ale or a 7-Up type product on the plane.
3. Dehydration
It creeps up on you making you extra tired and dries out your skin.
What to do: Before you grab that alcoholic beverage on the flight–reach for some water–and keep asking for it. On a 15 hour flight overseas, my flight crew continuously handed out bottles of water. Drink up! Your body will thank you for it later. Not only will dehydration dry out your skin, it is the main culprit for headaches post-flight. I also recommend taking a face spritzer that you can keep in your go-to bag to hydrate your face. You can find them in most cosmetic departments and I’ve had great luck finding various brands at Sephora!
4. Illness
Anytime you travel it’s like jumping into a human petri dish. Everything you touch…the food tray, restroom doors, in-flight magazines…are ripe with gems. The stress from traveling can reduce your immune system making you susceptible to getting sick. The recycled air in the airplane cabin and close quarters provide ample opportunities to expose you to viruses.
What to do: In the days before you travel, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. I also boost my immune system with extra Vitamin-C or Airborne tables which pack a punch of extra vitamins. Take a daily multi-vitamin while traveling to reduce your chances of catching a virus. Wash hands often and carry lots of wet-wipes in your bag.
5. Deep Vein Thrombosis
Also called DVT, this is a condition caused by blood clots that can result from sitting for long periods of time. Clots can easily form in the arms or legs and as they restrict blood flow, you become at extreme risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
What to do: Simple stretches that you can do in your seat are the best way to keep your blood moving. Lifting your knees, rotating and flexing your ankles and massaging your thighs throughout the flight are helpful exercises. Utilize time in the bathroom or waiting in line for the bathroom to do a few good stretches (side bends, calf lifts, bending). Try to get up several times during flight or invest in compression stockings that can be found at most drug stores and pharmacies. Using these simple measures of protection will go a long way in helping you feel great when you reach your destination.
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