Sit back and relax

MyTravel is dedicated to making your flight as comfortable and as safe as possible. Please spare a moment to read the following information, compiled with the help of health website medicdirect, to help you relax on-board and arrive in great shape

THE UPPER BODY

1 Take a large breath in through the nose. Slowly exhale through the mouth. Repeat a maximum of four times.
2 Sitting upright, turn your head slowly to look over one shoulder. Now slowly turn to the other side. Repeat five times.
3 Slowly rotate your shoulders backwards. Repeat five times.
4 Raise one arm above your head and stretch upwards. Repeat with other arm.
5 Transfer your weight evenly between your buttocks.

THE LOWER BODY

1 Loosen or remove footwear. Arch the soles of both feet and curl your toes 10 times.
2 Straighten your legs, slightly lift your feet off the ground and pump both ankles forwards and backwards 20 times.
3 Tighten your thigh muscles 10 times.
4 March your feet on the spot 10 times, alternating between the heel and the ball.
5 Clench your buttock muscles together 10 times.
6 When queuing for the toilet, rock backwards and forwards, heel to toe and back again.
7 Upon landing, gently stretch your body.

Airsickness

If you suffer from nausea, eat a light meal a few hours before you fly. Take travel sickness pills and avoid alcohol.

Jet lag

This occurs when your biological clock is disrupted by flying across time zones. Sleeping, appetite and bodily functions may be affected. Tends to be worse flying east. Here’s how to reduce the symptoms:

Pre-flight

● Avoid heavy meals, caffeine and alcohol three hours before take-off.
● Dress in loose, comfortable clothes.
● Take travel sickness pills for nausea.

In-flight

● Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine.
● Drink plenty of water.
● Eat lighter meals

Post-flight

● Adapt to the local bedtime on your first night.
● Relax for the first few days.
● Catnap from 3pm–5pm to boost energy.
● Go out into the daylight as soon as possible.

Your comfort on-board

Sit upright in your seat. Balance your weight evenly over each buttock. Relax the shoulders, keeping the spine upright. Use a pillow to support the small of your back, if necessary.

In-flight to remember

A = ASPIRIN: only take after consulting your doctor.

B = BAGGY CLOTHES: avoid tight-fitting clothing and loosen top buttons, belts and shoelaces. Remove tight socks.

C = CIRCULATION: for good circulation, don’t cross your legs or ankles for long periods. Elastic support socks or stockings may help, but they MUST be measured by your doctor or pharmacist.

D = DRINK: at least a pint of water every three hours. For each glass of alcohol, drink an extra two glasses of water.

E = EXERCISE: relax and get your circulation going with our exercise programme. Practise in your seat at least once every 30 minutes. Do not continue with any exercises that cause pain or discomfort.