Dealing with Long Flights
- Date: 2007-02-15 - Word Count: 391
Share This!
If you are going to explore exciting and interesting foreign lands, you have to get there. This almost always means sitting on a long flight.
It is rather ironic that sitting for long periods of time can wear you out. It isn't the exertion that gets you, it is the lack of it. Your body simply isn't given any work out at all, so you tend to become lethargic and just kind of blah. All of this is particularly true when you are on a long flight.
Flying is uniquely difficult on your body over long distances. First, you are confined to a small area, particularly those tiny little seats most airlines seem to use now. Second, you are in a pressurized cabin, which can have some subtle effects on your body. To keep you sanity and some energy, there are some basic things you should do during a long flight.
The first step is to get up from time to time. If you sit in a chair for 10 hours, particularly in a pressurized cabin, you can find your shoes getting tight. The blood starts pooling in your legs. While the human body was certainly designed to sit, doing it for 10 to 14 hours straight is not within the design specifications! Try to get up and walk around once every two hours or so. This gets the blood moving again. If you can find space by the bathrooms, try to stretch your legs. Most longer flights are on large planes that have such space.
It is also important to realize that you are in a very dry encapsulated area on your flight. You may not realize it, but you can easily become dehydrated on longer flights. Try to drink water with every meal. Also, try to bring a couple large water bottles onboard or buy them on the plane. Make sure you empty them before you land to stay hydrated.
Long plane flights are a necessary task if you want to travel to other continents. A flight from Los Angeles to Asia will easily run you 14 hours or more. From New York to Munich is still going to be 9 hours or so. To help you feel better when you land, take the above steps.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of writing journals to preserve your travels.
It is rather ironic that sitting for long periods of time can wear you out. It isn't the exertion that gets you, it is the lack of it. Your body simply isn't given any work out at all, so you tend to become lethargic and just kind of blah. All of this is particularly true when you are on a long flight.
Flying is uniquely difficult on your body over long distances. First, you are confined to a small area, particularly those tiny little seats most airlines seem to use now. Second, you are in a pressurized cabin, which can have some subtle effects on your body. To keep you sanity and some energy, there are some basic things you should do during a long flight.
The first step is to get up from time to time. If you sit in a chair for 10 hours, particularly in a pressurized cabin, you can find your shoes getting tight. The blood starts pooling in your legs. While the human body was certainly designed to sit, doing it for 10 to 14 hours straight is not within the design specifications! Try to get up and walk around once every two hours or so. This gets the blood moving again. If you can find space by the bathrooms, try to stretch your legs. Most longer flights are on large planes that have such space.
It is also important to realize that you are in a very dry encapsulated area on your flight. You may not realize it, but you can easily become dehydrated on longer flights. Try to drink water with every meal. Also, try to bring a couple large water bottles onboard or buy them on the plane. Make sure you empty them before you land to stay hydrated.
Long plane flights are a necessary task if you want to travel to other continents. A flight from Los Angeles to Asia will easily run you 14 hours or more. From New York to Munich is still going to be 9 hours or so. To help you feel better when you land, take the above steps.
Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of writing journals to preserve your travels.
Related Tags: travel, sleep, flight, airline, flying, fly, long, hydration, plane, cabin, hydrate
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Things to do in Rabat, Malta
There are plenty of things to do in and around Rabat when you travel to Malta. 5 star luxury in your - 4 Sightseeing Highlights of Malta
Malta is a country with many things to see and do, as you will realise when you go on your Malta 5 s - Vacation Rentals - Something For Everyone!
There is no shortage of information on the vacation rental. I've written several articles on the top - Vacation Rentals - a Few Facts
Most everyone has some knowledge of the vacation rental. What I'd like to do here, in the confines o - Exotic Vacation Rentals
Travel is an adventure. In fact, that is why some us travel. Not for the relaxation, not for the cha - Vacation Rental Vs. Hotel
And the winner is….Well, read this, then decide!First, the ubiquitous hotel. Swathed in branded name - Tropical Vacation Homes - Investment or Destination?
Buying a vacation home for investment may be a great idea in these troubled economic times. Be certa - How to Choose a West Rim or South Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
If you want to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you must choose between the West Rim and the Sou - Albuquerque Downtown Hotels Discounts, Deals and Reservations
Providing their guests with the best possible service available, Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Al - Hotel Suites Albuquerque - Online Reservations and Specials
Located in the center of the beautiful and historic town of Albuquerque New Mexico, Clubhouse Inn &
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Brazil's Tourist Attractions
Despite its popularity, Brazil is largely unknown to a lot of people. Other spots around the world h - Visit Ancient Persia, Greece, and North Cyprus with Clearchus of Soli
Tour the Hellenistic remains of Soli in North Cyprus with Clearchus, a student of Aristotle. As he - Exotic Trips - Vacation In Venezuela
Venezuela is a favorite vacation destination. No wonder! For instance, Venezuela is home to the worl - Some Advice When Buying A Travel Cot
A cot is a piece of furniture that is used for babies, infants, campers and travelers. Baby cots are - Marriott Hotels Varied History and An Overview of Properties
Marriott International was established in 1993 when the Marriot Corporation split into two different - Holiday In Cape Town
If you are interested in one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Cape Town may be right f - Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages: Why You Should Purchase One
Are you about to be married within the next year or two? If so, have you started planning your honey - Cancun Weather
Cancun is one of the most well known tropical destinations in the world. Because Cancun is located j - Golf Lovers: Save Money With Hawaii Vacation Golf Packages
Are you one of the millions of Americans who enjoys playing the game of golf? If so, there is a good - Old Town San Diego
The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Me