Originally Posted by
Kolya
Whatever medicine you decide to take, drink a lot of water with it to avoid headaches. Bring something from home that comforts you . . ever see the people in the airport with their pillow? . . smarter than it looks . even the familiar smell has a powerful relaxing affect on you. Learn how to stretch (hopefully before your flight) . .stretch, walk or at least stand at every opportunity . . don't try to tough it out and stay in your seat . . I rarely drink on a flight and only eat relatively light food, vegetables or fruit, not meat or sauces. Learn to breath too . .doesn't have to be some full on meditation (though that works) . . just good old in through the nose and out through the mouth in sets of three or four every ten minutes or so more. Don't do deep breathing for more than 8-10 breathes, you may hyperventilate. Some melatonin and advil is a decent over the counter sleep combo and you can use the melatonin to manage your jet lag once you arrive. Benadryl works too but I can't recommend it . .it leaves me too dopey and dry mouthed. Trade neck rubs if you're traveling with some you're cool with. Bring your own version of a hot cloth for your face , , you can get hot water from the on-board loo. again sounds silly but can be very refreshing and take all the worry out of your face and brow. Of course movies are great distractions . .but I like just the noise canceling headphones for music and/or ambient music, forest sounds, rainstorms, beach sounds. These, even for 20 minutes at time can break up a long trip. If don't have or can't afford head phones or ear-buds etc, just use good old earplugs . .I swear at least half of the stress of flying is the constant onslaught on the ears , ,the noise exhausts you. Those silly looking eye shields work too. Carry a bandana with a little of your favorite cologne on it, Have a good sweater. Wear loose clothing. Loosen your shoes., loosen your belt, loosen your top shirt button, loosen your bra if you're wearing one. Wear boxers. Roll a blanket and place behind your back in the lumbar region. Get all the recline you possibly can. Either aisle or window or nothing else. Rock some cool shades. I'm not for those ramblin' sometimes intense conversations that can arise on flights - they just exhaust me in a weird way. Watch a movie - but not 5 movies, Write don't read. Writing is more absorbing than reading. Learn how to depressurize you ears. I sometimes carry fresh leafs of mint or fresh basil from my garden. It relaxes me.
Whe I lived in New Englnd I would stick small fresh frond of lilac in my shirt pocket. Brush your teeth. Stare out the window and daydream , ,cast your worries on the clouds. Smile at people for no reason.
