Long hours spent on a plane can be punishing on your body, particularly if you are traveling in economy where legroom is generally more restricted and you can be cramped in tightly with other passengers. Our top tips below will give you some great ideas for making sure your body feels refreshed and revitalised once you arrive at your destination.
- Walk around the cabin
Make sure you try to take regular walks around the aircraft cabin whenever possible to keep your legs moving and blood pumping. If you know you have difficulties with poor circulation its a good idea to book an aisle seat in advance, that way you will be able to get up and move around whenever you like without disturbing other passengers. Just be mindful of seatbelt signs and any rules the airline has to enforce regarding passengers congregating in the aisles.
- Stretch your back
Your back is one of the first areas of your body to suffer from sitting constricted in one position for long periods of time. Try a simple exercise to ease pressure on your back by bending right forward in your seat so that your chest touches the top of your thighs and holding this position for a few seconds, then slowly come back upright. Repeat this 10 to 20 times for optimal benefits.
- Keep legs moving – while you sit
You can still keep moving your legs while you are in your seat with the help of a few simple exercises that will aid blood circulation and avoid the risk of blood clots. Start by raising both feet slightly off the floor then rotate ankles in a clockwise direction, for about 5 complete circles. Switch to anti-clockwise and repeat for another 5 circles. Next, place your feet back on the floor and stretch toes upwards as far as possible, then gently lower your toes back to the floor and lift your ankles. Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times until your legs and ankles feel loosened and supple.
- Loosen your shoulders and neck
This area of your body carries a lot of tension, and particularly with the stresses of air travel you might find more strain and stiffness in this area than usual as a result. Try rolling your shoulders by lifting up then lowering gently backwards and downwards, opening out your chest. Repeat this 5 times then switch the direction so you raise shoulders upwards and forward and repeat 5 times. With a neutral posture and shoulders lowered, gently tilt your head forward so your chin is towards your chest, then carefully roll your head to the right, keeping your chin down until you reach your shoulder, then let your head roll back as you move it towards your left shoulder, then back down to your chest in the center. Repeat for 5 rolls then switch directions for another 5.
When you’ve been cramped on an aircraft for long periods, our comfortable Chicago airport shuttle will be just what you need to stretch out and relax during the next phase of your journey. Our professional chauffeurs will ensure that your onward travel is smooth and hassle free, so you arrive at your destination relaxed and recuperated.
