Breathe, Stretch, Depart

HERE ARE SOME MOVEMENTS AND BREATHING PRACTICES TO BEAT JET LAG AND STRESS.

- By Taarika Dave

Air travel, that too a frequent one, can test the patience of even the most enduring traveller. Numerous hours locked into an atmosphere of minor discomfort, fluctuating cabin pressure, dehydration, and disturbed sleeping disorders make one feel stiff, puffy, tired, and mentally hazy.

But, as I tell my clients traveling across time zones, wellness need not pause during a journey; yoga does not need to be done on a mat; yoga can also be practiced at 35,000 feet, in an airplane seat, or as one is passing time awaiting one's flight.

Why Movement & Breathing Matter: When we sit for long hours, our circulation slows, lymphatic flow stagnates, and muscle tightness begins in the hips, neck, or lower back. This contributes not only to jet lag but also to swelling, raising our cortisol level, which can make us feel anxious or restless. This is where some gentle, intentional movements and clear breathing can intervene.

Pre-boarding: Walking the length of the airport terminal is one of the simplest but most effective pre-boarding rituals. Most airports are quite huge. One can probably accumulate 3,000-5,000 steps without realizing it. This helps to stimulate blood circulation and loosen tight muscles in preparation for hours of soon-to-be inactivity. Take 10 minutes to work through these gentle stretches:

• Standing Forward Fold: With a slight bend in your knees, hinge at your hips, and allow your arms and head to hang down freely, releasing tension in your back.

• Calf Raises: Gently rise up onto your toes, then lower down, to awaken the calves and encourage circulation.