I find flying a very tranquil period of time (for the most part). Once the flight has taken off and as long as there is no turbulence, I usually end up in almost a meditation mode during my flights.
Let's be honest, the longest flight I have been on is only about 7 hours. BUT I take many connecting flights which adds up my flying time + connection/ airport time. In my experience, being in airports and airplanes can be an opportunity for some of the most reflective times. In an airport, you are usually in a waiting period. Therefore, very different from the usual lifestyle of NEVER waiting and always going, planning, doing. Somehow, when I am in an airport/airplane it is some of the only times I find it much easier to be really present.
Below I will go over some key points I enjoy about the flying experience, as well as an airplane “to do” list to use the time positively.
Time for myself
For the most part, I fly alone. Even when I am with others, I still feel as if it is really time for myself as I am detached from the “real world”. Stuck in a building, waiting to be lined up into a metal cylinder to take you to another timezone, climate… etcetera. Being in the airport/airplane really feels like a world of its own. I find I am able to be extremely present between the departure and arrival security points of flying. This also helps with becoming prepared for a time shift. Presentness creates a low-stress state that aids in adjusting towards whatever time of day you are arriving in!
Unplugged
Being on the actual airplane means no internet, no data. I’m sure some planes have wifi options now but I still always get the most discounted flights, so have not personally had that experience yet. Being forced off my phone for an extended period of time is refreshing. I am definitely a part of the internet/phone addicted generations and I feel it pretty heavily sometimes. I appreciate that airplanes force me offline for the time being.
List of Airplane To-Do's
Read
Reading is something I appreciate however is the first thing that always gets kicked out of my schedule when things are busy (almost always). Airplane time means reading time and I hold that dearly to me. I personally love self-growth books the most and fiction second. I always bring a highlighter and pen as I like to make notes when reading (especially self-growth books). This allows me to connect and reflect deeper into how the book connects to me and what I need to focus on later. Not to mention how time flies when being involved in a great read!
Self Care
Flying is very dry. As in the atmosphere in the plane DRIES YOUR SKIN OUT. I always bring a moisturizing or under-eye sheet masks to apply at some point during my flights. Not only does this pass time, but also makes me feel better during and more refreshed afterward.
Another piece of self-care to remember when flying is that being in a contained cylinder for hours at a time puts you at risk of getting sick. I always keep a mini hand-sanitizer in my carry-on so I can keep my hands germ-free for my flight. I am personally not YET on the level of Naomi Campbell’s airport cleanliness routine (see article/video here for reference), however maybe someday. Naomi says "I clean everything that you could possibly touch. I do not care what people think of me, it is my health".
Rest
Sleep if you can, UNLESS you are going into a time zone where it is a time that you should be awake. I usually wear some kind of sweater I can rest my head on and put over my eyes.
Move
Long periods of time sitting are rough! I always try to get either a window seat, as it eases my turbulence anxiety somehow; OR an aisle seat, as this gives you access to easily get up whenever needed. If you do score an aisle seat, take many bathroom runs. Whether to pee, moisturize, brush your teeth, honestly just find reasons to straighten your legs. I would stand up about once an hour, unless it is time to sleep. If you are stuck in a window seat sometimes I bring a lacrosse ball to roll under my feet or wear compression socks.
I hope this article helps bring joy and peace to your next flying experience!
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