Essential Health and Exercise Tips to Survive Long Haul Flights
Whether you’re boarding a long haul flight to Bangkok, a flight to Hong Kong or a flight to Sydney, take some time to carry out in-flight exercises. The correct exercises can help to keep blood circulating, reducing the likelihood of swelling and the possibility of travel related deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Leg Exercises for long haul flights
Your legs are the most affected part of your body on a flight, so it pays to focus on this area. Simple exercises such as bending and straightening your legs, feet and toes, all of which can be achieved when seated, will work wonders.
1. Foot pump exercises are easy to do and help to keep blood flowing. Place both heels on the floor and point feet upward as high as you can. Next, you should place both feet flat on the floor and then finish the exercise by lifting your heels as high as possible whilst keeping the balls of your feet firmly on the floor. Repeat at intervals throughout the flight for 30 seconds at a time.
2. Knee exercises are also beneficial and can be easily done from the comfort of your seat. Simply bend forward slightly and clasp both hands around one of your knees. Hug your knee to your chest to stretch for up to 15 seconds and then slowly release. Complete with the other knee and repeat the whole process 10 times.
3. You should also walk around as much as possible on a long haul flight. Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour or so and simply stand and stretch your body to stay healthy and feel better.
Store your luggage in the overhead locker so you have as much room as possible to stretch out your legs and wear loose, comfortable clothes that don’t restrict your body.
Other Tips for Long Haul Flights
It is important to avoid dehydration on long haul flights so make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate your system. On long haul flights the cabin crew often walk the aisles offering free water, so be sure to take them up on their offer.
It might be tempting to take sleeping tablets when travelling for a lengthy period of time, but doing so makes it likely you will be immobile for a significant proportion of the flight. Try to avoid sleeping pills and use earplugs and a sleeping mask to catch some rest naturally.
Last but not least, you can wear compression stockings if DVT is a worry. Compression stockings can help to prevent DVT related to travel and can be bought at your local chemist like Boots. The compression stops blood gathering in the calf area and is recommended to be used in addition to in-flight exercise.
Now you know how to stay healthy on a long haul flight, it’s time to get booking! Whether you want to book Emirates Flights to Sydney or are simply seeking a trip to Europe, get in touch with Flightcatchers on 020 3582 8414 for cheap flights and holiday packages.
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