From Jet Lag to Joy, 'Flight Yoga' Can Ease The Convoy
- Henna Fuller
- Nov 26, 2024
- 3 min read
Traveling can be exhilarating, but the toll it takes on our bodies is often a side effect we cannot ignore. Jet lag, fatigue, getting sick, are common travel companions but incorporating several practices before and after the trips, can turn these challenges into opportunities for mindfulness.
But First, Prep Your Body and Mind: The Foundation of Flight Wellness
Before you even think about stepping onto that plane, the real journey begins with preparing your body for the adventure ahead. Start with the fundamentals that flight attendants won't remind you: hydration, nourishing diet, quality sleep, supplements as a boost for your immune system ( I take Vitamin C ), and movement.
Another consideration is, mentally prepare yourself for the reality of travel. You will be searched by security, confined in an airplane, be with a crowd of strangers, and potentially deal with delays, and more. This mental framework transforms potential frustrations into expected parts of the journey.
Last but not least, gather all necessary travel documents well in advance– passport, travel insurance, accommodation confirmations, to mention some.
Yoga Breaths
Your breath is a powerful tool for connecting your body and mind. It is the key to unlocking your ability to control how your body responds to travel-induced stress and help resettle your body's internal clock, easing your body to the situations and even to the new time zone.
Follow this breathing technique: For a minute, pay attention to your breaths. Breathe comfortably yet not too easy. Notice every inhale and exhale. Breathe in through your nose, counting 1, 2, 3, 4. Breathe out through your nose, counting 4, 3, 2, 1. If comfortable, you can add a slight pause after each inhale and exhale.
Option: Listening to calming music can help.
Preferred 'Flight' Yoga Poses:
Gentle Backbends are invigorating and uplifting and, in my opinion, are a must.
Hold a gentle backbend by lifting your heart with the chin up and tune in by breathing, a few cycles. If you are comfortable, deepen the backbend slightly.
Easy Forward Bends by gently hinging at the hips to fold your torso toward your legs while seated or standing, allowing gravity to do the work as you breathe deeply and let your spine naturally round without forcing the stretch.
To perform this seated in an airplane: sit tall, take a deep breath, then slowly fold forward from your hips while keeping your chest open, letting your hands rest on your legs or floor as you hold for 30 seconds to release lower back tension from prolonged sitting.
More options are Side Stretches, Squats, and Gentle Twists.
Bonus: Once you get to the hotel, add a Downward Dog and Prop Up Your Legs.
Above poses improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, aid in settling you before and after your trips, and provide a holistic approach to maintaining vitality on the go.
Where To Practice
Note: Safety First
Airport: Use chairs, counters, and other amenities to help in balancing to seated poses, or do simple twists while in line for boarding.
Hotel Furniture
Dedicated yoga rooms: Some airports have them! Check out Chicago Midway (MDW), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Miami International Airport (MIA).
Choosing a lightweight, foldable travel mat is a practical way to practice yoga on the go. However, I've traveled without a mat using towels and yoga socks as alternatives. Regardless of whether you have a travel mat, safety should always be your primary concern.
Last but not least, the beauty of yoga practice is that it is not a one-size-fits-all. Do what works for your body.
Now it's time for these mindful movements transform your getaway stress free.
Join me Do Yoga and Hike on our Travels with Cultural Wanderer.
Henna Fuller
www.nkcyoga.com Online & Outdoors
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