Everyday, more people spend more time on airplanes and at airports, experiencing long lines, flight delays, noises, jet lag, connections, uncomfortable seats, bad food, and the like. It is very difficult to maintain a balanced sense of health and well being while we are subjected to so many circumstances beyond our control. Yoga and meditation, along with a little bit of imagination and good humor, can help you to keep all your senses in order.
Here are some tips:
- While standing in line and waiting for service, try chanting the mantra SaTaNaMa. Silently chant it in the plane, the car, taxis, and trains. It will give you a great sense of inner peace.
- Learn how to deal with difficult situations with kindness, patience and consideration.
- Wear earplugs continuously in the terminal and on the plane. This will spare you from the noises of the plane’s engine and the chatter around you. It will also serve as a mechanism for breath awareness since you can easily hear your breath. Try to maintain deep, slow breathing.
- If you have a long flight, try to stand in the back of the plane and stretch for 30-45 minutes. Stretch every single part of your body, from your head, shoulders, and back to your hips, thighs, knees, feet, etc.
- Try shoulder, wrist, and ankle rolls, along with waist and neck stretching. Try some squats to relax the lower back. And don’t forget to breathe deeply, coordinating the breath with your exercises.
- Try to get an aisle seat on long flights. While you are not sleeping, you can go to the back of the plane and do some exercises and stretching. You may just find a partner for your exercises…and maybe a little chat!