Tips for before, during, and after your flight

Do you have your Thanksgiving plans all buttoned up?

I am getting on an airplane this Monday to fly to Vienna, where I grew up. You probably think, "Wasn't she in Vienna (and Prague) just a few months ago?" Yes, you are right.

My dad is celebrating his 85th birthday next weekend, and I don't want to miss this big milestone. So, here I am, getting on another red-eye flight to Europe ... during the busy Thanksgiving travel time. 😳

Are you planning to travel by air during the holiday season? It's a time that can be a challenge for even the most seasoned traveler.

Let me share some tips to keep your holiday air travel as stress-free and relaxing as possible.

My #1 tip: fly business class. I'm kidding, of course!

While I treat myself to business class when I fly to Asia, I typically fly coach to Europe. I cannot justify the extra cost of business class. However, I do pay for a seat with extra legroom in coach.

So, here are my tips for traveling stress-free, even when we are stacked like sardines in coach class.

1. Before your flight

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the crowds at the airport, find a less busy gate or even a bathroom stall to focus on deep breathing. This is your secret weapon against travel stress (aside from getting to the airport on time).

• For the box breath, inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold for four counts; repeat.
• The 4-7-8 breath involves inhaling for four counts, holding your breath for seven counts, and exhaling for eight counts; repeat.

These breathing techniques are proven methods to calm your mind. Try whichever one works best for you.

2. During your flight

Wear compression stockings to prevent blood clots. In addition, get out of your seat regularly and walk up and down the aisle.

If the flight attendants don't like it when you walk the aisle, stand next to your seat and perform the following two exercises:

• stand on your tippy toes for 10-15 seconds;
• bend one knee, grab your ankle, and draw your ankle towards your buttock; repeat on the other leg.

While you're seated, perform simple exercises to keep your body from feeling like Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz:

• every hour, extend your legs and flex your ankles ten times; then circle your feet, clockwise and anti-clockwise; it helps to maintain blood circulation.
• draw your shoulders up to your ears while you inhale; roll them back and down while you exhale; repeat five times; it's a great way to relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.
• inhale, arch your back slightly, and look upward (cow position); exhale, round your back, and tuck your chin to your chest (cat position); repeat five times to keep your spine happy.

3. After your flight

After hours of sitting in a cramped airplane seat, your body craves movement. Take a few minutes to stretch. My 10-minute YouTube video guides you through a simple stretching routine that's the perfect antidote to a long flight.

If your legs feel heavy, spend a few minutes in the Legs Up The Wall yoga pose. It will not only relieve pressure from your legs but also relax you.

So there you have it. Traveling during the holidays doesn't have to ruin your holiday cheer. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step to enjoying a wonderful holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Christine

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P.S. For tips on the best days to fly during the holidays and what to do if your flight gets delayed or canceled, check out this podcast episode of NPR's "Life Kit."

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