Contributions by: Julianne Lessard OTR/L,CHT
Air travel these days can be extremely taxing on the mind, body and soul, especially around the holidays. With patience and stress levels at the helm of a bundle of variables like flight delays, reservation mishaps and heavy foot traffic, there’s a tendency for these annoyances to overshadow simple things we can do to keep our spirits high and health in check.
Investing in your health when you travel can do wonders in helping to offset the stresses of being on the go. Whether it’s keeping your muscles loose, staying hydrated, packing nutritious snacks or listening to music, there are a few simple ways to help your mental and physical well-being stay balanced. ATI Physical Therapy’s Occupational Therapy expert Julianne Lessard, OTR/L, CHT shares with us a few exercises and travel tips to help your body manage the stresses brought on by those exhausting travel days.
Adding to the stretches found in the graphic above, you may also want to consider building in these health and wellness tips suited for all ages and abilities, backed by The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Take stretch breaks
Sitting for too long will cause fatigue and stiffness. Allow time when traveling to get up and walk around, perform a few stretches (if cabin space is available) or just stand up and change position. Hourly movements will help with circulation.
Watch the knee position
You can use your carry-on as a footrest to keep your knees at a 90* angle. Be sure to not let your legs dangle and avoid folding legs under yourself.
Snack wisely
Bring your own munchies for the flight. Salty snacks are quick but not always the best choice. Try a nut-based trail mix, fruit or veggie slices, or a granola bar.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue and reduced concentration. Water and herbal teas are great ways to keep you going. If you are prone to upset stomachs or nausea, bring along a few herbal tea bags such as ginger or chamomile.
Plan activities for kids
Every parent knows the value of an activity bag for long trips. Be sure to stock up on a few new items to keep their interest. Never underestimate the delight in a new box of crayons and a notebook!
Did you know?
We feel most comfortable when humidity is around 50 percent – meaning the air is 50 percent saturated with water. The air in an airline cabin can fall to as low as 2-3 percent to a max of 10 on longer flights. Because of this, it is important to stay hydrated while traveling, which is especially important on longer flights.
Are aches and pains getting in the way of your daily activities?
If simple home interventions are not helping to lessen aches, pains and discomfort, it’s time to see a physical therapist. Stop by your nearest ATI Physical Therapy clinic for a complimentary screening and get back to doing you.