So here we are, in 2023…it seems that somehow people have never been on an aircraft in their life and the combination of humans and being stuffed in an enclosed space can take a toll on anyone.
Being that it is 2023, we can all work on our own tactics to help combat leaving the plane with severe anxiety and hatred for humankind. Here are a few tips to help with your mental and physical health journey through long and short flights around the world.
1. Mental preparation
Mental prep is KEY. Know that everyone might drive you crazy. Think of all your triggers and make a mental list. Having some awareness and expectation will help to manage your frustration.
2. Bring ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones
This helps me immensely to block out the noise of people, aircraft sound, babies crying, etc. It will help your mood, I guarantee it!
3. Be nice to people
Remember that airline workers are doing their job and people treat them poorly all the time. Remember that others on the flight may be traveling for grief reasons. You never know what someone is going through and it will pay off in the end to hold compassion for people.
4. Bring snacks
Snacks can cure lots of mood shifts! And don’t ever count on airline food. It’s also useful to make sure you’ve eaten a meal before you board the plane.
5. Do some stretching
Bring those arms up over your head and stretch tall the way you won’t be able to on a plane. Do some lateral movement. Bend your knees deeply and move those legs around to get the blood moving. Twist the spine out. Etc! Your body will thank you before and after the flight.
6. Drink water!
Make sure you drink water before you leave for the airport. Fill up your water bottle after security. Get yourself a hot tea.
7. Get your phone tasks completed before you board
I hate having lingering things to do before I leave service. Make sure you text your family your arrival time or whatever you need to do be more chill on the plane. This includes downloading the podcasts you want to listen to or the playlists and having it ready to go. Try to board the plane with your headphones and phone ready to play so you can sit back, relax, and actually enjoy the ride.
8. Get your things in order for the plane
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like getting up and bustling around in the overhead bins during the flight. I like to set it and forget it. I always have my headphones, ear plugs, compression socks, journal and pen, water, snacks and whatever else I need in the bag under my seat and easily accessible. I recommend this technique. It saves a lot of headache and makes your transitions a bit smoother.
9. Focus on your own space
It’s really hard when others are so close and often encroaching on your space. If you can work on just focusing on your little bubble: your seat, and screen, and armrest, you’ll have an easier time not worrying about others.
10. Communicate your boundaries
There is NO shame in asking someone who is encroaching on your space to keep to themselves. Maybe their feet are coming through from behind. Maybe they’re using the armrest and you don’t have either one. I recommend politely and gently asking if you can “remove your feet” or whatever. That said, THERE IS SHAME IN FAT SHAMING. So if your neighbor is overweight and struggling to fit in their seat, do not shame them. It’s hard enough for fat folks to travel. They don’t need your commentary or rudeness. Do your best to accommodate both of you. Fat-phobia is so last year, and you’re better than that! And if you are a person traveling in a bigger body, you should make your boundaries clear also! Do you need extra space? Ask a flight attendant if there’s a different seat they could put you in that maybe has an empty seat next to it! There’s no harm in asking!
11. Have patience
With yourself and others, patience is key. Leaving the plane with your mental and physical health in tact is only going to happen if you have patience and compassion.
What do you need to do to keep yourself from going mad on a plane?
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