Staying healthy on a long-haul flight

Long haul flights aren’t everybody’s idea of fun, but with a few simple rules, you can stay healthy and arrive at your destination ready to enjoy your holiday. We love Virgin Atlantic’s top tips to ensure a comfortable flight:

• Keep on moving - The best way to stay comfy and minimize the risk of clotting disorders like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) at bay is to keep moving. So try to change your sitting position regularly, and avoid crossing your legs. Try the airlines’ inflight magazine for suggestions on a number of suitable exercises. 
• Walk in the clouds - Take the end of a movie as your cue to leave your seat and go for a stroll around the cabin to get your circulation going.
• Just say no (to sleeping pills) - Tempting as it may be, especially if you’re a nervous flyer, we advise you don’t take a sleeping tablet on your flight. It will reduce the chance of you moving about during the flight, which isn’t good news for your circulation, and you’ll feel much groggier when you arrive. The only exception is if your doctor is aware that you are flying and has expressly recommended that you take a sleeping tablet.
• Drink up - Keep yourself feeling hydrated throughout the flight. 
• Moisturize - Keep your skin pampered and protected from the dry air onboard by regularly applying moisturizer and lip balm. If you wear contact lenses, it’s a good idea to bring your glasses with you, as your eyes might feel drier than usual.
• Loose fit - Save any tight fitting outfits for your destination; for the flight, stay comfortable by wearing loose fitting, comfy clothes and shoes.
• Time travel - Beat jet lag by setting your watch to your destination’s time as soon as you get onboard.