While being on a vacation is fun and relaxing, getting there can be very stressful. Especially if you’re traveling by plane.
Between the pressure of rushing through an airport, suffering from anxiety about or a fear of flying, and the cramped quarters once you’re actually on the plane, stressful travel can put a damper on your mindset going into a vacation.
For a smoother and happier journey, you need to find ways to unwind and make your next flight more enjoyable. Below are 5 tips for relaxing on planes.
Practice deep breathing and meditation.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to relax on a plane is through deep breathing and meditation techniques.
Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth, focusing on each breath as it enters and exits your body. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a calm and peaceful place.
You can also try guided meditation apps or podcasts designed to help you relax.
Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Dehydration can make stress even worse, so stay hydrated throughout your flight. Drink plenty of water and only modest amounts of caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep.
Herbal teas and fruit-infused water can help soothe your nerves without inflicting the negative effects of caffeine and alcohol.
Bring comfort items.
Packing comfort items can do a lot to make you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the flight. Consider bringing things like a neck pillow, a cozy blanket, an eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones to help block out unpleasant distractions.
You can also pack a small pouch with calming items like essential oils, soothing hand cream, and herbal teas to create a relaxing atmosphere wherever you go.
Bring soothing sleep aids.
A good way to avoid stress while flying is to sleep your way through the flight. If you have trouble falling asleep while flying, consider using gentle and natural sleep gummies to help you drift off.
Sleep gummies are portable, delicious, and perfect for travel. Take one or two and the next thing you know, the plane is landing, and you can wake up at your destination rested and ready to go.
Stay active and stretch regularly.
Sitting for a long time can make you stiff and uncomfortable, so try to stretch and move around regularly during your flight.
Take short walks up and down the aisle, do simple stretches in your seat, and move your legs and feet to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Just don’t invade anyone else’s personal space while you’re doing these things.
Don’t let the stress of traveling put a damper on your vacation. There’s plenty you can do to make your next flight more relaxing — and maybe even enjoyable.