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Stay Healthy When Flying: 5 Simple Ways

Posted by on September 6, 2016

Flight Attendant Secrets: 5 Ways to Stay Healthy When Flying

stay healthyIt can be tough to stay healthy when flying. With the dry air in the airplane, exposure to billions of germs from other travelers, inconsistent sleep schedules, and preservative-filled food, our bodies are in full defense mode when we travel. Flight attendants, pilots, and frequent fliers have to really make an effort to stay healthy when flying. How do they do it? I’ve been a flight attendant 16 years and I’ve had my share of illnesses due to flying, but I’ve found a few things that seem to help ward of illness. Here are 5 things I do to stay healthy when flying:

1. Stay Hydrated

I know you hear this one from everyone, but the importance of staying hydrated cannot be emphasized enough! I’ve noticed that when I’m dehydrated I start to crave sugary drinks, does this happen to you? If I’m well hydrated I tend to eat healthier and make smarter choices about what I eat and drink. When I’m traveling for work I try to avoid eating junk food, but when I’m traveling with my family if there’s a decadent dessert calling my name, I’m going to enjoy it! Staying hydrated helps to counteract the other junk I might be consuming.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links I may receive a small commission which goes towards the operation of this site. I appreciate your support!)

2. Take Vitamin Supplements

Probiotics are a supplement proven to help keep us healthy. The chewable option works best for me so I use is Culturelle Chewable Probiotics. I’m not very good about taking vitamin supplements regularly, but what I do take is Airborne Effervescent Tablets. These tablets contain many vitamins and minerals that support the immune system. They dissolve in water and create a tasty, bubbly drink. My husband often gets migraines when he flies, but he has discovered that the headaches are less intense when he takes Airborne at the start of the flight. Airborne is labeled for ages 12 and up, but you can ask your pediatrician if your child younger than 12 could take half a tablet on days surrounding travel to help boost their immune system. Airborne also has a children’s formula.

(Always look at the supplements you are taking for proper dosage. If you’re taking prescriptions, check with your doctor or pharmacist for compatibility between supplements and medications.)

3. Use a Travel-Sized Oil Diffuser

I’m not a huge “oily” person, but I have found positive benefits from diffusing oils. This travel-sized diffuser has some great features at a fair price.  One of my favorites to use both at home and in the hotel room is Thieves, by Essential Oils. The only problem is I really hate the name “Thieves”. Yes, I know the origin, but I think it’s stupid. That’s just me. I don’t know if it actually bothers anyone else. Once I had a sore throat and my friend brought me some Thieves spray. But, knowing how much I hate the name, she taped a label over it, marked, “Get Well”. So thoughtful! Only a true friend would do that. If you’re like me and hate the name “Thieves”, I found this similar oil blend, Health Sheild, available on Amazon.

4. Get Sleep

I know, it’s easier said than done. When I’m prepping for family travel I often am up half the night, not only packing but also trying to get the house in decent order before we leave. If you struggle with sleeping when away from the comforts of your home, read my 5 Hotel Sleep Solutions.  The oil diffuser mentioned above can help with sleep too. Just bring some oils that are relaxing to you. Here is an oil blend designed to help you relax if you want an idea of a oil blend to try.

5. Relax

One of the biggest attacks on our immune systems is stress. Traveling is stressful, but everything you can do to counter that stress is helpful. Even five minutes of stretching before bed can help. When I’m traveling with my kids, the best way for me to remember to relax is to follow the pace of my 8 year old daughter, Ella. She is an observer. She notices every detail of everything and finds beauty in it all. I have learned that trying to rush her backfires and then extra time is wasted. Instead of rushing, I learn to observe what she sees and find the beauty in it for myself too. If you can start to look at things through the eyes of a child, finding beauty in the ordinary, then you can find a  moment of relaxation. Stress takes a back seat when you find the beauty that Ella sees in the world:

stay healthy

Do you have tips for ways to stay healthy when flying? I’d love to know what works best for you! Comment below or on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page! Be sure to visit this website every Tuesday, where I post a new travel tip every week.

Happy Cloud Surfing!

stay healthy

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