10 Simple Airplane Stretches To Beat Travel Fatigue!
Whether you’re 16 or 60, it’s never comfortable being stuck on an airplane for a long flight.
Between the stress of flying and being crammed into an uncomfortable seat for hours, your body can quickly become stiff.
While these hacks may not beat the comfort of a first-class seat, simple airplane stretches and exercises can help you reach your destination without a sore body.
WHILE SEATED
There are plenty of small stretches and movements you can do while seated throughout a flight.
Neck Rolls/Stretch
Release tension from your neck by slowly twisting your neck from side to side and moving it up and down in a “yes” then a “no” movement.
After a few of these try bringing your right ear down toward your right shoulder to stretch the left side of your neck then repeat on the other side.
Finally, drop your chin down toward your chest and gently roll it from side to side.
Seated Twist
Grab on to your seat’s armrest with both hands and gently pull to twist your torso to one side helping stretch and relax the spine. Do the same for the other side.
Ankle Stretches
Start with both feet flat on the floor then flex your ankles by stretching your toes upward then bringing them back down. From there, roll through your feet, lifting your heels up with your toes still on the ground. Repeat these movements several times to get the blood moving in your legs.
Ankle Circles
Additionally, lift one-foot slight off the ground and gently roll your ankle in a circle changing directions every couple of rolls. Repeat on the other side.
Leg Extensions
If you’re in an aisle seat, try lifting your foot up extending at the knee to stretch out stiff legs and really get the blood circulating. Do a couple of these movements for each foot.
WHILE STANDING
Though everyone knows they should stand up and walk around during a long flight, that’s often easier said than done. Make sure to try some of the seated stretches, but when you’re able to stand up, take advantage of this time with these exercises.
Quadriceps Stretch
Rest your left hand on the wall or back of a seat for balance and use your right hand to reach back and grab your right ankle, bending your right foot up so your knee is pointing down.
Hold this for several breaths before gently releasing your foot to the ground and repeating on the other side. This stretch will help release tension in your quadriceps (front thigh) and hip after sitting still for a long time.
Calf Raises
Stand with your feet a couple inches apart and raise your heels so you’re standing on the tip of your toes, hold for a couple seconds then lower back down feeling the stretch in your calves and waking up your legs.
Lateral Stretch
Standing with your left arm down, stretch your right arm straight up then softly start to bend to the left side stretching your arm over your head to feel a lengthening stretch in your right side.
Come back up to center, release your right arm and repeat on the other side.
AFTER THE FLIGHT
Once you reach your final destination, take a few moments to relax into these two restorative stretches that will help melt stress away.
Child’s Pose
This common yoga pose is a great way to stretch your hips, back, shoulders and chest while also having a grounding, calming effect.
Kneel down on your knees and slowly stretch your upper body forward toward the ground, reaching your arms in front of you until your forehead touches the ground. Stay there for a couple of minutes before sitting back up.
Legs Up Against The Wall
This position may feel a little awkward at first, but you’ll soon notice that after a couple minutes your legs will feel lighter and less lethargic.
Sitting on the ground next to a wall, lay down on your back as you slide your legs together straight up the wall. Stay here for at least three minutes letting your stress drain away.
When you’re ready to get out of the pose, slowly swing your legs down to one side and rest there for a couple breaths before sitting up.
If you’re looking for a yoga room at the airport to stretch your tiredness away, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app and get all the information about Yoga rooms and spa’s along with other amenities located at your airport & fly stress-free.
