Foolproof Ways to Combat Fatigue While Traveling

Travelling can be taxing to the body and while you might feel that jet lag is unavoidable, our foolproof tips can help to make your travels more enjoyable. Meaning, more time for sightseeing, food hunting, foot massages and all that other fun holidaying you have to do!

Stay hydrated

This one’s simple. Flying 30,000 feet up in the air in a large metal vessel is not only an unnatural sensation, but it’s also incredibly dehydrating. Dehydration occurs due to the air circulating systems in aircrafts which create a dry environment low in humidity. Ensure you drink an adequate amount of water while flying.

Avoid plane food

Where possible, bring your own pre-prepared healthy food and low sodium snacks to get you through your flight. If bringing food onboard isn't an option, try the following trick instead.

Go without!

Fasting has helped me in my travels to remain energised, hydrated and rested. Heavy, salt laden, processed airplane food wreaks havoc on your digestive system. Being that they are difficult to digest, these foods can make you feel lethargic and heavy. Intermittent fasting has many proven health benefits as is and can make a long haul journey much easier to bare.

If fasting isn't your thing and you have to eat airplane food, keep it to a minimum and try not to overeat.

Stay active

Keep your blood circulating by being active at intervals. If it’s a long haul flight, try to get up every hour for a walk and a stretch. Aim to be up and moving for 5 minutes (more if you can).

Avoid static stretching if you haven't pre-warmed your body. Static stretching is a stretch you hold for a set time such as 30 seconds. Instead, practice dynamic stretching which consists of a repetitive movement such as shoulder rolls.

Treat flying as you would an average day

It’s easy to succumb to eating all the food, drinking all the drinks and sleeping as much as possible during a flight. It has always stumped me seeing passengers sleep the whole way through a flight. Now, don't get me wrong, sleeping the entire flight if it coincides with the local sleeping time of your destination can be a great idea. However, if you’re sleeping out of habit or boredom, cut it out now!

Where possible, keep to a similar routine as you would at home. Indulge in a bit of reading, stay active (as you would at home if you were running around completing chores) and rest when you would typically take a break.

Don’t let travel make you lazy or steer you away from your habits.

Sleep on local time

As previously mentioned, sleeping during local night time of your destination is plain genius. It may feel odd at the time, but it will better prepare you for adjusting when you land. If sleeping comes easy, then you have this one covered. If you’re a light sleeper, try these holistic tips to help you sleep:

• Mentally prepare yourself to ’switch off’ with a short guided meditation, relaxing music or breathing exercises.
• Wear an eye mask to block out exte
al lights.
• Dab some lavender essential oil on your travel pillow and indulge in one of the most relaxing scents.
• If your mind is running a million miles an hour, acknowledge the thoughts and close a visual door on them.
• If you can’t sleep, rest.