12 tips for the corporate traveler
Legal LawChances are if you’re an executive in today’s business world, you’ve seen enough airport restaurants and “fasten seat belt” signs to last a lifetime. Regular air travel has become a standard part of the job for many executives, with meetings, trainings and seminars taking place across the country and the world.
For those who love to fly, this is just another career perk. While to others, a root canal sounds better than being trapped in a metal pipe 30,000 feet above ground. Although you may not be able to control whether or not you have to fly, you can choose as all those trips will affect you.
Traveling comes with its own set of health challenges, so it’s important that you know what they are and what you can do about them.
low air pressure
Although the interior of an aircraft cabin is pressurized, it is still much lower than what you would experience at sea level. This can have various effects on your body, including plugged ears and swollen hands and feet. Because less oxygen is absorbed by the blood, it can also cause dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up.
Dehydration
Many frequent flyers are unaware that the humidity inside an airplane can drop as low as 20%. This is substantially lower than most people are used to and can easily cause you to become dehydrated. In addition to making you thirsty, it can also dry out your eyes, nose, and throat.
Blood containment/clots
You know how you’ve been told you have to get up from your desk and walk around the office every hour to get the blood flowing through your legs? The same thing happens when you’re flying. Staying in one position for a long period of time, particularly in a confined space like an airplane seat, can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs that can be fatal if they travel to the heart or lungs.
jet lag
Long flights that take you across time zones can leave you feeling disoriented, sluggish, and even sick to your stomach. In fact, it takes about a day for your body to readjust to its natural rhythm for each time zone you cross. Obviously, you can’t prevent jet lag from happening altogether, but there are a few things you can do to lessen its effect on you.
food options
Airline food can sometimes taste bad or be bad for you. It is usually loaded with preservatives and unnecessary fats. So your options are limited. It’s important to eat well before your flight and include plenty of colorful vegetables and fruits and plenty of fiber to keep your digestive system in good working order. This ensures that your body is loaded with the nutrients it needs to combat potential discomfort.
The next time you travel, keep these tips in mind:
12 tips for the busy traveler
- To combat congestion and ear pain, chew sugar-free gum to help open up your ears. You can also pop them by yawning or swallowing.
- If you are prone to swelling, be sure to wear loose clothing and remove your shoes during the flight.
- Drink plenty of water before and during the flight. Do not rely on drink service as it may take a while for attendees to get to you or they may lose service if there is severe turbulence. Always bring your own water bottle on board whenever possible.
- Avoid drinks that have a diuretic effect such as coffee, tea, and alcohol. If you absolutely must have them, offset their effects by drinking water with them as well.
- Get up and move. Don’t worry about being the weird guy who keeps getting up. You’ll be the healthiest guy on the plane!
- Avoid crossing your legs. You should also avoid staying in the same position for a long period of time.
- For long trips, wear compression stockings that add extra pressure to your legs. You can buy them at your local pharmacy.
- Start adjusting to your new schedule as soon as you can. If possible, change your home clocks a couple of days before your flight to start moving your body’s sleep cycle closer to where you’re headed. If that’s not possible, set your watch to your new time as soon as you board the plane.
- Once you arrive at your destination, try to stay awake until your normal bedtime and stay in bed until it’s time to get up. It may be difficult, but it will help your body read faster.
- Take melatonin supplements at bedtime, which can also help you fall asleep at your destination and help regulate sleep patterns.
- Why not pre-order low-fat food options online to ensure you get the healthiest food possible?
- Oversized and overweight bags are a sure way to fill up your neck or back, so it’s a good idea to pack light and/or make sure not only your suitcase, but your carry-on, too, has wheels.
As you can see, with a little planning ahead and adhering to the 12 tips above, you will ensure that your transition to a new destination or time zone is seamless, puts less stress on your body, protects you from lethargy, and produces a successful trip. .