Whether you’re planning to jet to a far-flung locale or fly across the country, taking to the skies often involves dealing with various stressors, which can be divided into three main types: physical, biochemical, and emotional.
Tip #1: Handle your luggage with care
Use a rolling bag and lift with your legs while keeping your back locked.
Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.
Tip #2: Prepare healthy snacks
Pack cut-up veggies and fruits, along with nuts, seeds, and protein bars for a nourishing in-flight snack.
Tip #3: Stay hydrated
Drink water before, during, and after your flight.
Bring fruits, berries, and veggie snacks, as they are packed with H2O.
Limit your intake of coffee and alcohol.
Tip #4: Practice mindful meditation
Use your flight time to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and meditate, helping you stay present and reduce stress.
Tip #5: Support your lumbar spine
Use a lumbar cushion or fold a sweater, towel, or blanket to support your lower spinal curve.
Tip #6: Invest in a quality neck cushion
This will provide essential support for your head while sleeping during the flight.
Tip #7: Choose an aisle seat
This gives you the freedom to get up and move around whenever you like.
Tip #8: Engage in regular movement
Movement is key, and it’s important to engage in some form of physical activity ideally once every hour. Start by standing up, stretching, and taking deep breaths. Raise your arms overhead and use the overhead bin to lean against while you bend from side to side. Perform swivel and hip rotations both clockwise and counterclockwise, followed by quadriceps, hamstring, and hip flexor stretches.
Rotate your shoulders front and back, and then squeeze them toward your ears, holding for 5 seconds before releasing (this can also be done seated). Raise each bent knee to a 90-degree angle in front of you, alternating between left and right legs (10 times each). Gently rotate your head back and forth, up and down, and side to side while taking deep breaths. Clasp your hands together and rotate your wrists, and finally stretch your fingers and forearms both downward and upward.
Get Adjusted
Chiropractic care can be a game changer when it comes to preparing for upcoming flights. Long hours spent sitting in cramped airplane seats can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and even pain. By realigning the spine and addressing any musculoskeletal imbalances before your trip, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate potential discomfort and promote better posture.
Give our practice a call today to book an appointment before your next flight!
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