Well-Being

 
If you are interested in maintaining your health and comfort onboard, our well-being information will provide some handy and helpful tips.


General Well-Being
Stretching

General Well-Being
Motion Sickness
Most modern jets fly at relatively high altitudes and avoid major turbulence, hence motion sickness is increasingly becoming rare. But if you are especially prone to it, there are a few things you can do to ensure your comfort.
  • The evening before you fly, eat an easily digestible meal (avoid spicy and oily food) and avoid alcohol.
  • Avoid alcohol the day you fly.
  • When inflight, eat lightly and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • If you start to feel nauseated, try to minimise head movements. Simply drop your seat back and close your eyes.
  • You may also consider taking anti-motion sickness tablets available over the counter in most pharmacies, follow the prescribed dosages and direction.


Stress of Flying
Some of us get a little nervous when we fly. Here are some relaxation techniques you can practise to relieve the stress of flying.
  • Step 1: Put your seat in the recline position
  • Step 2: Close your eyes
  • Step 3: Breathe in steadily, as you count slowly to three
  • Step 4: Breathe out slowing extending the duration of the breathing out, as you count to three
  • Step 5: Repeat the routine for 10 to 15 minutes

Alternatively, picture yourself in a relaxed situation, perhaps on a tropical beach. Concentrate on each part of your body in turn from head to toes. Feel it gradually relax. After several minutes, your pulse and breathing rates will lower and gradually tension will drain away.



Cabin Pressure Changes
Minor pressure adjustments occur within the aircraft during take off and landing, causing some passengers to experience ‘blocked’ ears. Yawning or swallowing can help to equalize the pressure in your middle ear. If the ear does not clear with yawning or swallowing, try the Valsalva technique - pinch your nose, keep the mouth closed, and attempt to blow out gently.

If you have a suspected ear infection you should see a doctor before you fly, as pressure changes can make the condition worse. If you have a upper respiratory tract infection, you should see a doctor before you fly, for some treatment that can make the flight easier on the nose and throat.



Food and Beverages
As a general rule, you will feel more comfortable if you eat lightly and moderate your alcohol intake. Heavy meals can lead to indigestion during a long flight. Keep fully hydrated at all times with lots of clear fluids, especially water.



Jet Lag
When you travel across time zones, your biological clock becomes desynchronised, which causes jet lag. Jet lag is hard to avoid, but one tip is to get some shut-eye during the flight. Refrain from beverages that interfere with your sleep patterns, such as alcohol and caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks.) Once you land, adopt local time immediately. If possible, avoid any commitments in the first couple of days - admittedly not always easy if you are travelling on business.



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Stretching
It is easy to stiffen up during a long flight. Here are a few simple stretching exercises to help loosen muscle and joints. You can perform them in your seat, but make sure it is in the upright position. Remember to respect the personal space of other passengers. Breathe normally, and do not overstretch. Repeat the programme every two hours or when you feel the need to stretch.
  • Hands: Grip the edge of your armrest with your hands, hold to a count of five, and relax. Repeat 10 times.
  • Legs: Starting with your feet on the floor, bring your legs slowly up towards your chest, as far as you can. Relax them slowly. Repeat three times.
  • Feet: Placing both feet on the floor, point your toes upwards as high as they will go. Point them downwards. Repeat this in a continuous movement five times.
  • Neck: Move your head slowly towards your right shoulder and hold. Then towards your left shoulder and hold. Move your chin slowly down towards your chest. Hold and relax. Repeat three times.
  • Arms: Starting with your arms outstretched, flex at the elbow and bring them slowly into your chest. Extend them again. Repeat five times.
  • Shoulders: Hunch up your shoulders, hold and slowly relax. Repeat five times.
  • Abdomen: Starting from a fully upright position, slide your hands down your legs as far as you can. Straighten up gradually. Repeat three times. Cross your arms across your chest and rotate as far as you can from right to left. Repeat three times.


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