On-board activity
If your holiday plans involve out-of-town or cross-country travel, finding ways to stay active will help you feel better during and after your trip.
Dress comfortably
Many people experience swelling during air travel or after sitting for long periods of time. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and footwear that allows you to move without restriction. Drinking non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages also helps.
Shift and stretch
Shifting positions frequently and stretching every half hour or so can help make you feel comfortable on a long flight. Try to keep the area around your feet clear of baggage so you have room to stretch your legs and move your feet. Try these stretches, which you can do without getting up from your seat:
- With your feet flat on the floor, raise and lower your heels several times. Then reverse the move, so your heel stays on the ground and your foot flexes as the toes rise up. This will help the blood in your lower legs circulate.
- Bring one knee toward your chest and hold. Repeat with the other leg.
- Shrug your shoulders. Reach arms up, stretching your torso as high as possible.
Find your "sea legs"
Train and plane travel offer limited opportunities to get up and walk around, but make every effort to take a few steps every couple of hours by walking up and down the aisle. If you're flying, choose a time when you won't be blocking the serving cart and avoid periods of turbulence.
Driving provides more flexibility, so take advantage of this by scheduling regular stops along your route where you can get out and walk around.
Try relaxation techniques
Even though you're sitting, travelling isn't necessarily relaxing. Travel stressors — such as white noise, proximity to other people, stuffy air, delays, worry and boredom — can cause tension and stiffness. Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing can help.
Focus on breathing deeply into your diaphragm, so that your belly moves up and down, not your chest. Breathe in slowly for five seconds, hold, then breathe out slowly. Repeat several times. Deep breathing also helps improve circulation.
Keep your brain active too
The journey will pass more quickly if you also keep your mind active. Stock up on puzzles, movies, music and a good old-fashioned page-turner. Travelling with family or friends? Conversation is one of the best ways to get outside your own head — and that will make the trip seem shorter — and far more relaxing.