Travel 101: what to do before a long flight
Travelling can be hard. Sitting in a car or plane for anywhere upwards of 2 hours means you will probably have to deal with some discomfort and possibly some physical contortioning that can cause your muscles to tighten up like clams closing up. Not only is sitting for more than an hour at a time unideal for our bodies, but also breathing recycled air, dealing with time & altitude changes not to mention environmental stressors all contributing to making travel a little strenuous at the best of times.
That being said, there are a few things that greatly help and that can contribute to an easier travel load not only on your body but also your psyche. Who doesn’t want to feel amazing when they travel? Exactly.
Which is why I am sharing some tips that I highly recommend to anyone travelling for 3+ hours in a day.
1. Get Moving
Because sitting is brutal on the body (not to mention the joints) you want to move your body before any long amount of travel. Whether it be stretching, walking, doing a class, do something for your body and you will automatically be setting yourself up for better feel-good success. Some of my favourite ways to move include doing some Pilates, Yoga, Threeform or any other kind of low-impact movement that allows me to stretch, open up tight hips, elongate and feel more mobile. Especially when immobility is the name of the game when it comes to travel.
2. Lymphatic Drainage
Something that has been a real game changer for me has been getting Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage massages. The lymphatic system can best be described, “…like a sanitation system for our body by getting rid of 'waste' that our body naturally produces, or other things that can invade our body, like bacteria," says Linda Koehler, PhD, an assistant professor of physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine at the University of Minnesota. "It's what protects us from getting an infection." In layman’s terms when the lymphs are drained, circulation is boosted, complexion is brightened, skin is tightened and the body is drained from holding excess water weight. Other benefits that I personally have felt after a drain include an energy boost, better sleep and better recovery of sore muscles (from working out hard). Whenever I can, I like to go for a massage before I travel because I simply feel better to be sitting for a while. One of the key components in a Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage massage is the work they do on the legs. This is something that is hugely helpful and feels oh so divine after the legs have been immobile from sitting for a long period. A drain post-travel is also major because that’s usually when I feel I need to help my circulation the most and give my body (and lymphs) a helpful and manual aid in flushing out excess water weight. Hello massage, goodbye puffiness.
3. Hydrate Up Babe
Now, not only do you want to hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more after a Lymphatic Drainage massage (the hydration helps with detoxification elimination post massage) but hydration is key when it comes to flying. It seems simple, and it is, but water helps you maintain your blood pressure, regulate your body temperature, lubricate your joints, and flush out toxins which can thus help you ward off whatever is flying with you in the recycled air around you and your fellow passengers. When you are flying, the human body loses about 8 ounces of water per hour on an aircraft at altitude, mostly from breathing. As such, the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) recommends drinking about 0.25 liters (or 8 ounces) of water per hour while on an airplane.
4. Eat Light, Eat Fresh
Whenever you are travelling, the last thing you want to feel is disgusting in your belly. Something that isn’t digesting, just sitting in your gut like a rock is the worst. Not to mention can be exceptionally uncomfortable. Plane food isn’t great, but it’s really the fast-food counters and kiosks at the airport which are awful. Poutine, burgers and fries/chips are not ideal meals before sitting for a long period of time and are usually precursors to slowing down your elimination system, if you get my drift. If going to the bathroom when you travel is already a challenge, then you most definitely want to stay away from anything processed or greasy right before travelling. I usually try to eat something that is light, fresh, has some protein and something that won’t make me feel like a chunk of lead is sitting in my stomach. Favourite pre-flight foods include a 3-egg omelette with tons of veggies and some delicious cheese melted in there. Perhaps a salad with some salmon or even a salted tomato-burratta extravaganza, heavy on the fresh basil and olive oil.
5. walk everywhere
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am a HUGE walking enthusiast. Walking has got to be the most underrated form of exercise and yet it can be the biggest game changer in not only your fitness but also your sleep, digestion, mood etc. Whenever I see people sitting in the airport I think to myself that they are only doing their body a big disservice especially since they are going to be sitting for an extended period of time no matter what during the flight. If you can’t go for a walk before you travel, walk in the airport. Stretch your legs, get your circulation going and give yourself a boost of wellness before you are confined.