EL AL | Atmosphere

Check-in I Our Guide 5 Tips for Coping with Long Flights

Is your dream destination a 12-hour flight away? Are you asking yourself how you'll survive the long flight and cope with such an extended period of sitting? Well, fasten your seatbelt! Here are some tips on what to do on long flights to ensure that you'll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and full of energy / Itai Yom Tov

01 Wear comfortable clothing. This is a very important point that many travelers tend to forget (or avoid), especially in today’s “Insta generation” where the focus is on perfect vacation pictures - even during 13-hour flights. Warm, comfortable clothing allows your body to relax during the flight and doesn’t put pressure on sensitive areas, like your thighs, chest and underarms. Equally important is to wear comfortable, breathable shoes to ensure the well-being of your feet. 02 Take breaks during the flight. On very long flights it’s important to regularly stand up, leave your seat, and walk the aisles (when possible and allowed). Doing so gets the blood flowing more freely throughout your body and your leg muscles working a bit. This helps prevent cramping and enables good blood circulation. A good ratio to aim for is getting up from your seat for 5-7 minutes every hour. (If this isn’t possible, longer intervals of standing will also work). 03 Stimulate your body. Did you wake up from a nap during the flight? If so, this is the time to follow the previous tip and take a break. Doing so will stimulate your body by improving your blood flow and moving your muscles - exactly like when you wake up at home and

start your day. 04 Stretch your muscles after landing. Congratulations! You’ve safely arrived at your destination and are now eager to grab your suitcase and head to your hotel in a cab or other mode of transportation. However, you’ll soon find yourself sitting for an extended period of time again, ranging from anywhere between a half hour to several hours. Before you start unpacking your luggage at your hotel, set aside some time for a light stretching session. This can involve stretching your arms and legs, rotating your pelvis, bending and placing your hands on the floor to stretch out your back muscles and

hamstrings, or any other stretches you prefer. You might hear a click or knock. Don’t worry! It’s just your body saying, “Thanks!” 05 Drink water. Even if you feel refreshed, fully recovered from the flight and ready to start the day exploring your destination, fill up a bottle of water and drink to your heart’s content. This way, you’ll prevent getting dehydrated right from the start of your vacation. (Many people tend to get dehydrated because they don’t drink enough water during the flight.) Now, you can begin your dream vacation. Enjoy! The author is the manager of “Space” Gym, a personal trainer, and a sports therapist with an MS in Sports Science.

14 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2023