5 wellness rules to abide by when you’re travelling

Did you know that food can contribute greatly to how you feel during and after your long-haul flight? “I recommend that passengers avoid legumes and raw food where possible when flying as this can lead to indigestion and bloating in the air,” says Barton. “It’s also best to reduce the amount of sodium consumed as this can lead to bloating and swelling.” Additionally, she suggests that you “avoid drinking carbonated drinks and eating fatty foods”. Instead, Barton recommends water-based foods, like fruit and raw vegetables, as they can help prevent dehydration and indigestion when travelling. Psst... A lot of airlines actually allow you to pick your meal online right after you check in, which is worth looking into.

You may be tempted to have a glass of wine (or several!) to get into full holiday mode, and we're not saying it’s not something you should avoid altogether; just make sure you pace yourself. “Alcohol is fine to consume in moderation, however, in order to feel fresh when you land, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as well,” says Barton. “The air pressure in an aircraft’s cabin is very dry and with the added effect of alcohol, this can cause passengers to become dehydrated very quickly.”

Fact: Sitting for hours at a time can cause swelling in the ankles and overall discomfort when you travel. The solution? “I recommend walking up and down the aisles of the aircraft to maintain mobility in the air,” suggests Barton. “It’s usually best to do this more than once so that you don’t experience fluid or water retention. There are [also] several movements passengers can do to stay healthy and active on a flight. To improve circulation in the lower back and to prevent tightening, passengers can place both feet on the floor and move their body from left to right. Passengers can also bend each leg and bring upright to a 90 degree angle as well as roll their ankles and shoulders to help with blood flow and prevent fluid retention.”