Tips for a Rejuvenating Flight
By Chris Brown
With a summer of much needed COVID-free travel approaching, many are anxious to jet set to their favorite destinations. When they do, however, garnering a rejuvenating experience on the flight and avoiding the dreaded jet lag is key to a great start of any trip. Following these five tips for a rejuvenating flight will ensure you arrive enthusiastic and ready to take on the excitement of your new destination.
Pre-Departure
- Hydrate, but not too much - The airplane cabin's low-humidity air causes dryness of the skin, nose, and throat. It also dehydrates your system quickly. This dehydration is responsible for much of the poor feeling upon landing. Instead, prep by hydrating yourself prior to boarding, but not so much that you need to use the restroom repeatedly throughout the flight.
Inflight
- Time melatonin intake with your destination's time zone - Calculate the time of day at your destination upon departure to determine if you should be sleeping on the flight. Because melatonin, a sleep hormone naturally excreted by the pineal gland, is very good at resetting your circadian rhythm, taking it can help your body match the nighttime pattern of your destination. By starting your transition on the plane, you'll arrive having partly adjusted to the destination's time and be free of jet lag for the coming days.
- Ear plugs and eye masks - With the rattling drink cart, reading lights, and crying babies, the more sensory deprivation you can provide yourself, the better for rest. If you are trying to time sleep with your destination's nighttime, it can be hard enough to rest without cutting out sight (invest in a blackout eye mask) and sounds (either ear plugs or a white noise soundtrack works best).
- Bring a misting bottle for a refreshing mid-flight reset - Upon waking, a quick spritz of a mist can really boost your wakefulness. Alternatively, if it is daytime at your destination, occasional spritzes can help keep you awake until bedtime in your new environment. Add a light jasmine or citrus scent to the mist for a more scientifically tested alertness spray.
Prior to Landing
- Brush your teeth - It's simple, but there is no way to reset the day quicker for me than brushing my teeth. The fresh breath reminds my brain of morning and mint flavor is shown to stimulate the brain and wake the body, a perfect combination as you disembark.
Going through these five air travel tips will ensure that you arrive at your travel destination rested and ready to jump into your adventure.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Paul, Minn.