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Staying Sane On A Long Haul Flight: 4 Offbeat Tactics To Try

Long-haul flights can feel like an endless test of endurance. Cramped seats, endless in-flight movies, and the slow passage of time can make it tough to stay calm and collected. Fortunately, there are creative strategies you can use to reclaim your peace and enjoy those hours in the sky.


Here are four unconventional tactics that might just make your next long-haul trip much more bearable.


sky flight

Best Practices for a Long Haul Flight


Journaling is more than just writing; it’s a powerful way to enhance your mental well-being, especially during flights. Grab a simple notebook and pen to engage with your thoughts creatively. Consider this: a study by Dr. James Pennebaker found that expressive writing can lower stress levels by up to 30%.


Reflect on your journey, jot down your thoughts, or even sketch the view outside your window. Writing keeps your mind busy and distracted from the discomfort of your surroundings. You might even find joy in doodling scenes or memories from your travels It's also why so many people opt for business class tickets by saving when they're going to be in the air for 6 hours or more.


Eye-level view of an open travel journal on an airplane tray table
An open travel journal sitting on an airplane tray table with a scenic view out the window

It doesn’t have to be perfect; list your future travel goals, capture your experiences, or make quick sketches of interesting fellow passengers. The key is to let your creativity flow freely.


Get an Aisle Seat


Having an aisle seat allows you to get up freely and wander around leisurely when that seat belt light goes off. That can help make your long-haul flight more bearable, and hey, you get to stretch those legs rather than being cramped. Get up, take time to pace but always be respectful and not draw attention to yourself as being too suspicious to other passengers.


Try Meditation or Mindfulness Techniques


Meditation might sound unusual on a flight, but it can help calm your mind amidst the chaos. A study published in the journal “Health Psychology” found that just a few minutes of mindfulness can significantly reduce anxiety levels.


Start with a simple breathing exercise. Close your eyes, inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and then exhale for six counts. Repeat this cycle until you feel grounded. If you struggle, consider using guided meditation apps, which can provide calming instruction for as little as five minutes.


One powerful technique is the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding exercise. Identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two scents in the cabin, and one flavor on your tongue. This practice can help anchor you in the present, turning anxiety into calm.


Channel Your Inner Chef


Your food choices can greatly impact your mood during a flight. Instead of relying on standard airplane meals, flex your culinary creativity. Pack a variety of your favorite snacks or invest in a bento box filled with an array of tasty options.


For instance, consider preparing small portions of trail mix, cheese cubes, fresh fruit, or homemade energy bars. Research indicates that having your own snacks can improve satisfaction during flights; in one survey, 70% of travelers preferred self-prepared snacks over airplane food.


While enjoying your personalized snacks, pair them with an engaging audiobook or a playlist of uplifting music. Transforming your in-flight meal into a delightful snack experience can significantly enhance your overall journey.


Close-up view of a bento box filled with various snacks on an airplane table
A close-up of a bento box filled with colorful snacks, showcasing creativity on an airplane tray table.

Create Your Own In-Flight Spa


Air travel can be tough on your body, particularly after hours in a confined space. Why not turn your seat into a mini-spa? You don’t need an elaborate beauty kit; a few essentials can go a long way.


Pack a small pouch with a hydrating face mist, your favorite hand cream, and a silk eye mask. Research from the Journal of Travel Medicine indicates that hydration is essential for comfort on long flights. Use the face mist to rejuvenate your skin and apply hand cream to combat dryness from the altitude.


When you can, close your eyes, put on that eye mask, and listen to calming music. This brief escape can change your experience from a stressful journey to a peaceful retreat in the sky.


Finding Your Travel Zen


Long flights no longer have to feel like a chore. With a touch of creativity and thoughtful planning, you can transform these hours into something enjoyable. Whether you choose to explore your creativity through a journal, practice mindfulness, indulge in homemade snacks, or create a soothing spa experience, you can discover what makes your flight more pleasant.


Next time you board a plane, remember these offbeat tactics to maintain your sanity and perhaps even find enjoyment in the journey. Happy travels!



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