How To Deal With Cabin Fever
Long flights are miserable. Here’s how to deal with them.
Do you ever wish that long flights were just like in The Fifth Element? Pop into your pod, the flight attendant hits a button, and you’re out like a light until you arrive at your destination. I would definitely pay for the upgrade if that’s what “preferred seat” meant. Unfortunately, flying long distance hasn’t changed by much over the past few years. But there are a few things you can do to keep yourself sane and from running up and down the aisle screaming.
1. Get Some Pills
Hit up your family doctor and tell him your conundrum. If he’s sympathetic he’ll write you a prescription for something that’ll lull you to sweet sleep. Otherwise, load up on whatever over the counter stuff makes you fall asleep. If you can spend the bulk of your flight comatose, then you’ll be less likely to lose it over the Pacific Ocean.
2. Schedule Your Flight Time
13 hours stuck in a sardine can sounds crazy but if you break it up into chunks of time filled with activities, things will go a little quicker. Instead of counting down from 13 hours, you can count down smaller blocks of time. For the first few hours, schedule a nap, followed by an hour of reading, 2 hours of a movie, an hour of work, a couple more hours of sleeping, an exercise break, and whatever else you can manage. You get the idea.
3. Wear Your Pajamas
Bring your comfiest pyjamas and slip into them. You’ll feel infinitely better and not become obsessed with your muffin top, your suddenly restrictive jeans, and your underwire bra. But before you do this check that’s it ok with your airline first!
4. Bring Games
If you’re traveling with someone, bring some small board games or load up your iPad with Risk or Settlers of Catan. You can kill a few hours this way and take over a whole continent.
5. Podcasts
After awhile, staring at that bright screen in front of you may give you a headache or burn your eyes. That’s your cue to play your pre-loaded podcasts. Our favorites? Planet Money, This American Life, and WTF with Marc Maron.
6. Get Up And Move
Every few hours, get up and move around. Strut your stuff up and down the aisle, use the bathroom, wash your face, and do 15 minutes of stretching (or as much as you can before you get super embarrassed). Make sure you work out your legs and back as that’s where you’re most likely to cramp up. If possible, do a few sun salutations and spend as much time as you can in downward dog.
7. Eye Mask And Ear Plugs
Eventually the drone of the airplane engine, the man sniffling behind you, and the woman chewing next to you will drive you nuts. Sensory deprivation is the only way you won’t go completely insane.
8. Drink LOTS Of Water.
Flying will dry you out and being dehydrated will give you a headache, make you antsy, and make your skin look like crap. Bring a giant refillable 1-litre bottle with you and keep drinking as much water as you can. And while you’re at it, moisturize every few hours to keep your skin hydrated.
9. Massage One Another
If you’re traveling with a friend, give each other a shoulder and neck rub. You’ll feel infinitely better and a lot less tense than before. If you’ve got some lotion on you and are fairly intimate, give one another a hand massage.
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Image up top courtesy of Altair78.
