Prepping to Fly with Your Health in Mind

Welcome to The Declaration Worldwide!

Reporting live from Ottawa, we made it back east safely!

Overtired and under-slept, trying to come up with a blog topic was a difficult task. So I figure, why not discuss my routine when it comes to travelling? I’ve traveled quite a bit; schools, vacations, and a missions trip have given me some long-trip experience. Having a bad back, If I don’t prep or plan ahead when it comes to travelling, half of my trip consists of being uncomfortable and spending too much money on food and activities.

Using the EPASS format, I’ll break down some things to keep in mind when it comes to travelling. Have any other travel tips? Leave them in the comments below!

Emotional:

Emotions are always important to keep in mind. Whether it’s meeting friends, a business trip or a much needed vacation, your emotions are going to be all over the place if you don’t have a plan. Thankfully, the planning for emotions begins and ends with a meditation practice. Especially if you are a nervous flyer, having a easily accessible mood regulator can make the difference between a relaxing flight and “that” story.

Give Simple Habit a download. They have a meditation for everything.

Physical:

This category will easily be the most detailed, but it’s well worth it. For anyone with a bad back, these are the strategies I use in my own life.

1) Work out early and often

Try your best to get to the gym the day you are flying. An intense workout will be an endorphin cocktail priming you for a stress-free day! Plus, it’s awesome to get the hardest part of your day finished early, creating positive momentum going into your flight. Whether it’s a stretch, a run, a lift or a class, anything to get your blood moving will pay dividends getting on the plane

Before getting on your flight, take 10-20 minutes to stretch. It’ll give you a head start on stiffness and pain and relieve some pre-flight tension. I usually go with a simple squat hold. Do an air squat: keeping your back flat, squat until you can put your elbows on the inside of your knees. Give pressure with your elbows to get a deeper stretch, and hold as long as you would like. Don’t be like me: wear loose clothing to avoid ripping the crotch out of your jeans before getting on a plane.

When it comes to working out, anything is better than nothing. While we may not be able to protect against all physical issues, we can do what we can to reduce effects as much as possible.

2) Sleep

Sleep is crazy important. A good sleep routine will reduce your chance of dying by 40%. Seriously.

If you can nap before your flight, do it. If you can sleep on a flight, do it. Especially if you are changing time zones, making sure you make enough time for sleep will have protective effects for your mental and physical health. If you’re like me and can’t nap to save your life, either fly in the morning, sleep in or have a plan to catch up on sleep as soon as you can once you land. Bria and I flew on the red-eye and were lucky enough to get picked up by our friend Jake and pass out on his couch. We’re still catching up, but if you want to look and feel like yourself, focus on getting good sleep.

3) Food and Water

EAT REAL FOOD AND DRINK ENOUGH WATER

Is that clear enough?

Honestly, pack food ahead of time and bring a refillable water bottle. This will save you time and money while protecting against dehydration and bad habits. Flying is physically stressful on our bodies; we owe it to ourselves to plan ahead and make our health a priority. Aim to drink as much water as you’re comfortable with. I usually drink about16 oz. per hour of flying.

Academic:

Remember, we’re either investing time or wasting time. If you’re going to be spending time on a flight, plan ahead to make the most of your travelling. Got some work your could do? Those tray tables make a nice stand-in for a desk. In school? Bring a textbook or write those papers. All caught up on work? Bring a book or download some podcasts. Sleep is always a great option, too.

Either way you slice it, make use of your time on a flight.

Spiritual:

While I could have left meditation for this section, the strategies you use to satisfy this category are really up to you. What brings you meaning in your life? Whether it’s through prayer, making a gratitude list, reading a sacred text or simply enjoying the beauty right outside your window, being cooped up in a plane doesn’t mean your spiritual practice has to take a back seat. Sometimes, having faith that the flight will go smoothly and you will make that tight connection can be enough.

Social:

We don’t have to be antisocial on flights! Especially in this day and age, we love to be in our own little worlds and not branch out to those sitting literally two inches away. Some of the best conversations I have had were on a plane. Relationships have even started on planes!

Talking with others can make time fly (ha, get it). Not the social type? Make a list of the people you want to see/network with when you arrive. Draft up some tweets/texts/emails to send when you hit the ground. Or my personal favorite: people watch and try and guess what they’re talking about (obviously make it silly).

We’re all in the same situation getting on a steel tube to fly across the sky; make the most of it!

That’s all I have for today. The take-home point is this: planning ahead can save you head (and body) aches after your flight. I hope your upcoming travels are safe, productive, and not terrible! Add your own strategies below, and have a great day!