As a traveller hailing from the picturesque Gold Coast, I’ve become somewhat of a master in long-haul travel. With friends and family sprinkled across Europe and the Americas, every journey I embark on involves navigating multiple time zones, enduring flights that span no less than 24 hours on average. Such extensive travel experiences have not only gifted me with unforgettable memories but also invaluable insights. Over time, I’ve gathered a set of strategies to combat the inevitable fatigue and discomfort that accompany these marathon journeys. If you’ve ever felt the weight of travel weariness or lost precious days of exploration to jet lag, read on. Here are five tried-and-tested tips to ensure you hit the ground running, no matter how far you’ve flown.
Tip 1: Drink Water
Hydration is the unsung hero of long-haul travel. Aeroplane cabins have notoriously low humidity levels, which can quickly lead to dehydration. This not only dries out our skin, making it feel tight and uncomfortable, but also contributes significantly to fatigue.
The Science Behind Hydration and Fatigue:
Our bodies are made up of about 60% water. Even a slight drop in our hydration levels can impact our physical and cognitive functions. When dehydrated, our blood thickens, forcing our heart to work harder to pump it. This added strain can lead to feelings of tiredness and lethargy. Moreover, dehydration can impair our brain’s function, leading to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and even headaches.
Pack a sturdy travel water bottle, but for the flight here is a hot tip: bring a second bottle, an empty plastic 1.25L bottle you can get through security, and toss when you land. It will ensure you always have water at your seat on the long-haul flights. Not only will this keep fatigue at bay, but your skin will also thank you, arriving at your destination with a healthy glow.
Remember, while alcoholic and caffeinated beverages might be tempting, especially if they’re complimentary, they can exacerbate dehydration.
Tip 2: Move Your Body
Sitting for extended periods, especially on long flights, can be detrimental to our health and well-being. Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle stiffness, poor circulation, and even increase the risk of blood clots.
The Importance of Movement:
When we sit for hours, our lymphatic system, responsible for removing waste and toxins, can become sluggish. This can lead to swelling, especially in the lower extremities. Ever noticed your shoes feeling tighter after a flight? That’s fluid retention at play.
To combat this:
- Choose an Aisle Seat: This gives you the freedom to stand up and move around without disturbing fellow passengers.
- Stretch Regularly: Every couple of hours, take a moment to stretch your legs, arms, and neck. Simple stretches can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
- Walk Around: Use restroom breaks as an opportunity to walk up and down the aisles. This not only aids circulation but also helps in reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potential complication of long-haul flights.
Tip 3: The Liberation of Light Packing
Packing light is more than just a convenience for long-haul flights; it’s a game-changer for your entire travel experience. The benefits of a minimalist approach to packing extend far beyond the confines of the aeroplane cabin, enhancing every moment of your journey.
Why Light is Right:
- Energy Saver: Lugging weight around takes more energy; the lighter you are, the more energy you will have. Especially traversing airports and rushing for flights.
- Freedom in Flexibility: Aiming for a backpack under 10kg might seem ambitious, but the flexibility it offers is unparalleled. Whether it’s spontaneous exploration, navigating bustling streets on day trips, or hopping onto public transport. Also, so much less stressful to get on and off a flight and still be able to explore before or after checking out to get the most out of your days.
Tip 4: Strategic Fasting to Combat Jet Lag
Jet lag is a common ailment for long-haul travellers, resulting from the misalignment of our body’s internal clock with the destination’s time zone. It can lead to symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances. One effective way to combat this is through strategic fasting:
- The Science Behind It: Our body has two primary clocks: one influenced by light (circadian rhythm) and another by our eating patterns. When we fast, our body’s mealtime clock goes on hold, waiting for the next meal to reset.
- The Fasting Method: Begin a full-calorie fast at least 16 hours before the morning of your destination’s local time. This means skipping all those plane meals, most likely. Or maybe your first meal after the fast might be the landing meal if served at the breakfast time of your destination.
- Break the Fast: There is a reason it’s called breakfast. Consume a substantial meal at the local breakfast time of your destination. This meal acts as a signal to your body to reset its internal mealtime clock to the new time zone.
- Stay Hydrated: During your fast, it’s essential to drink water. While water doesn’t reset the body clock, it ensures you remain hydrated and staves away the false feelings of hunger.
- The Benefits: This method can significantly reduce the effects of jet lag, helping you adjust to the new time zone faster and ensuring you’re more alert and ready to explore upon arrival.
Tip 5: Rejuvenate with a Mobile Remedial Massage
After a long-haul flight, it’s common to feel tight, swollen, and stiff. One of the best ways to address this is by booking a mobile remedial massage therapist to come directly to your accommodation. For those touching down in the Gold Coast, consider reaching out to Body Remedy Massage, known for their expert mobile remedial services. The tailored treatments offered through remedial massage not only alleviate stiffness and stress but a lso aid in lymphatic drainage, helping reduce all of that post flight swelling. It’s a transformative experience that leaves you feeling truly rejuvenated and ready to embrace your travels. and continue reading this Thai Massage Cairns.
Author: Barrie