Flying can be stressful and sometimes even a painful experience, especially during takeoff, landing, and long hours flights.
However; there is a simple hack that can help you relieve the stress and reduce the discomfort on a long flight.
The tennis ball hack.
In this post we will explore more about why you would put a tennis ball in your luggage, and how to use it to relieve discomfort and tension during your fight .
Let’s dive right in.
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What Is The Tennis Ball In Luggage Hack?
Before we delve into the benefits of taking a tennis ball on a plane, let’s clarify first that tennis balls are permitted through the security checkpoint and on planes without any restrictions, you can just toss it inside your carry-on bag and you are good to go.
Now here are some of the benefits for using a tennis ball when traveling:
Improve Blood Circulation
Most airplane seats will barely fit your feet, and if you have an under seat bag it is obvious that your legs will not get as much space as they need and the blood flow will not function properly.
Standing up and walking around on board the airplane is a solution for stretching your legs, but it is not always possible in some flights.
So rolling a tennis ball under your feet, calves and legs will give back some life to the blood circulation, and help prevent any blood clots.
Ease Muscle Tension And Stiffness During Long Flights
Setting for long hours makes the muscles stiff and tighten up, and will also lead to a poor blood circulation.
And using a tennis ball will release tension and give the muscle some relaxation.
Relieve Ear Pressure
Chewing gum or yawning is an efficient way for hair popping.
And it may seem strange but I really use the tennis ball for ear pressure during take off and landing.
Just place the tennis ball under your chin and lower your face, holding the ball against the throat.
Tightly press upward and hold for a few seconds, this will help open up your Eustachian tubes and alleviate discomfort.
Cheap And Easy To Carry
While some passengers advise to use some fancy gadgets to alleviate pain during a flight, you can still use some of them, but what really makes a tennis ball is the convenience and won’t bother other fellow passengers.
How To Use a Tennis Ball During Your Flight?
Now that you know the benefits of taking a tennis ball when you travel, let’s find out how to use it.
Foot massage
Remove your shoes, and gently roll the ball under your feet, apply enough pressure to feel a gentle massage.
Ensure to not apply too much pressure that causes pain.
Back massage
Place the tennis ball between your back and the seat and gently move your body up and down so the ball can roll along with your spine.
Leg massage
Just like foot, while seated, use your hand and roll the ball back and forth along your leg, especially on the calves, this will help stimulate blood flow and prevent stiffness.
Additional Tips For A Comfortable Flight
Speaking of ways to make a long-haul flight more comfortable, Travelandleisure already has a helpful list that you can go through.
But aside from that there are some bonus tips.
- Drink a lot of water: get hydrated during your flight by drinking water before and during your flight, it will help prevent headaches and fatigue.
- Stretch and walk: as I’ve mentioned above it may not be always possible to move and walk on board the airplane but if you get any chance, go for a walk in the aisle, that will help the blood circulate, if you can’t try to stretch your legs in your seat, just ensure that you don’t bother your neighbors
- Create a comfortable environment: bring your amenities, like a neck pillow, a footrest, earplugs, and an eye mask, you can also pack a light blanket to make your flight more relaxing.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes flying can be stressful and uncomfortable, and with just a simple item like a tennis ball you can make it more pleasant and enjoyable.
Using a tennis ball as a massage ball will help improve your blood flow, muscle tension and ear pressure during landing and take off.
On the other hand you can always make your flight comfortable, by staying hydrated, stretching and taking the right amenities.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
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