5 Ways to Stay Healthy While Flying
When the Wright Brothers made history, they might have had an inkling that they would change the future for all of us who came after them. However, it’s unlikely they could have foreseen how air travel would alter life for every man, woman and child on the planet. Today, it’s commonplace to get on an airplane and journey to other countries all within a day, if not an hour or two. Yet with all the positive aspects of being able to jet around the world, flying isn’t known as the healthiest travel method. That’s why it’s essential that you understand how to stay healthy while flying.
Below are five of our favorite tips for staying healthy in flight. Put them into practice the next time you’re flying out of Newark, NJ or any other airport hub.
Tip #1: Make Friends With H2O
By the time we feel thirsty, we’re already dehydrated. Don’t let that happen to you when you’re flying. Airplanes can be notoriously dry, cramped spaces. Drink plenty of water throughout your flight, as well as when you’re waiting in the concourse. If you feel the need for caffeine, make sure you add it to your water quota for the day, rather than substituting coffee or soda for a bottle of H2O. Avoid alcohol until you safely reach your destination and are finished traveling for the day.
Tip #2: Get Up Regularly
Most of us plop down onto our airplane seats and remain there for the duration of the flight, even if the flight is several hours long. This can lead to uncomfortable muscle cramping, as well as the potential for deadly blood clots. Fortunately, you can lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis, or just basic discomfort, by getting up and stretching. Take a walk to the bathroom, even if you don’t have to use it. This will help increase your circulation and keep your body functioning normally.
Tip #3: Stop Holding It
Speaking of the bathroom, it can be tempting to wait until you reach the airport to go. However, if nature is calling, it’s best to simply heed that call. Putting off heading to the bathroom on the plane is a bad idea because it puts your body — and mind — under undue stress. If you really hate using plane bathrooms, make sure you relieve yourself before boarding to reduce the chances that you’ll feel the urge to go while in midair.
Tip #4: Eat Up
You should never starve yourself. That’s not a healthy airplane travel tip. Yet you shouldn’t eat garbage, either. Bring along healthier snacks for your trip, such as cut-up veggies and fruits, pretzels, homemade trail mix or cheese sticks. Your stomach won’t growl, and you won’t be loading up on unnecessary calories, fat and carbs.
Tip #5: Take Along Antibacterial Wipes
We all realize that airplanes and airports like Newark are used by thousands of people each day. This means there are tons of germs. Though it’s not practical to avoid touching every surface you encounter, it’s a good idea to bring along antibacterial wipes or gel. That way, you can keep your hands free from foreign germs and reduce the chances that you’ll get a cold or virus.
Staying healthy on an airplane isn’t impossible. It just takes some practice and planning!
