Strategic thinking and packing along with a good sense of humor can be your greatest strengths when it comes to offsetting the many physiological stressors and degenerative impacts of flying at 12,500 – 50,000 feet on a regular basis. Even though you may think your patience is the system that’s most stressed on a regular basis, your Circulatory and Respiratory systems are really the ones most affected, even in pressurized cabins.
Keep water in hand to minimize the physical stress of dehydration – you can monitor by the appearance of your skin. Minimize stress and inflammation while optimizing your immunity and gut function – helps you maintain optimal wellbeing. Your brain and muscles use glucose as fuel, so keep your blood sugar as balanced as possible. Some basic steps to help accomplish all of that:
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Meals & Snacks – eat a balanced diet – 1/3 complex carbs, 1/3 protein, 1/3 good fats:
- Eat or snack every 3-4 hours for better blood glucose balance, mental clarity and mood
- Pack healthy snacks and simple meals for convenience, quality control and craving avoidance
- Hydration – drink at least ½ your body weight in ounces of filtered water each day
- Complex carbs, high-quality protein and fats convert to glucose more gradually than simple carbs and sustain better energy levels over time
Sleep – 7-8 quality hours each night:
- Supports healthy brain function, mental acuity, good memory and temperament
- Regenerates all organs of elimination and supports healthy hormone balance
- Boosts levels of Growth Hormone produced for replenishing the body while at rest
- Practice breathing deeply and rhythmically – this eases tensions and supports sleep. Also sets you up to relieve stress at any time
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Exercise & Movement:
- Improves your ability to rest and sleep well
- Mental and mood balance from producing healthy biochemicals
- Walk, swim, stretch, weights, Yoga – even 10-15 minutes is better than 0 minutes!
- Keeps healthy digestion and elimination in place – minimizing intestinal distress while flying
Keep your head in the game by having a supportive circle of friends and loved ones, especially important when traveling for work, even with domestic routes. Create easy connections wherever you are based or on layovers. Being able to unplug and regenerate will counterbalance work and schedule demands, leaving you feeling better and brighter. Maintaining a healthy Work-Life balance will minimize the degenerative effects of airport and flight stressors, keeping you smiling.
