The nine-hour flight wasn’t even half way through and I was already tired of staring at the glowing touch-screen embedded into the seat in front of me. My muscles were aching to move from the unbearable seated position I was in, and one of my eyes was beginning to itch. Without much thought I rubbed my irritated eye only to find it getting even itchier. I closed the nozzle of the air vent above my head and just sat there with my eyes closed, hyper-aware of how uncomfortable my whole body felt. By the time the plane touched tarmac I was feeling foggy-headed, sleepy and achy and my itchy eye was now completely bloodshot and gooey. Pink eye! What a way to begin my vacation!
Since the “pink-eye” flight experience I’ve learned about essential oils and their powerful properties and now I always bring some little bottles on board. My essential kit includes pure lavender oil, Gratitude Uplifting Diffuser Blend and Arrive Revived Jet Lag and Travel Mist. They’re small enough to pack in a make-up pouch that you can keep in your purse or carry-on bag and they comply with airport security restrictions on liquids.
Here are some tips on how to use these products and how to reduce the stress of flying across several time zones:
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that you can layer. A big silk scarf not only dresses up an outfit but it can also be used as a body temperature regulating blanket and it hardly takes up any space.
- Wear comfortable, breathable shoes that will stretch a little since the cabin pressure and long periods of sitting will temporarily swell your feet. A flexible and soft moccasin-style shoe is a great option.
- As soon as you take your seat, dab a few drops of lavender oil into the palms of your hands and onto a wet-wipe. Disinfect your tray, armrest and, if you’re sitting in a window seat, the window area. Don’t worry if you get funny looks from your fellow travellers, they just don’t know how versatile lavender oil is! Lavender not only has a calming smell but it’s also
- Anti-viral
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
Even if you get a headache, earache, sunburn, bug bite or a skin break-out, you can use lavender oil. You can use it to brush your teeth too. Just put a drop of lavender oil onto a toothbrush and brush like you normally would. As a bonus it’ll also freshen your breath. Lavender oil instantly feels cooling and soothing, but it will sting a little on broken skin.
- Throughout the flight stay hydrated and try to stretch and walk around periodically.
- Try not to over-indulge on alcohol and caffeine as they’re dehydrating and will further disrupt your sleep.
- Airplane air is notoriously drying so bring a non-greasy face cream and prevent chapped lips by applying your favourite lip balm.
- Don’t wear any eye makeup on a long-haul flight. Even though you may not fall asleep you probably will close your eyes for long periods of time and it’s best to avoid getting any irritants in your eyes.
- Once your plane lands you might have a connecting flight or bus, train or boat ride to catch. Or maybe you have to pick up a rental car and navigate some unfamiliar roadways next. Whatever it is lying between you and your final destination, you better catch a second wind and feel alert and present. Spritz Arrive Revive Jet Lag and Travel Mist around your head and face to feel the awakening combination of
- Refreshing eucalyptus and mint
- Purifying lavender, rosemary and niaouli (a type of evergreen tree)
- Zesty and bright lemon and palmarosa (a leafy grass)
- Then dab a drop or two of Gratitude Uplifting Diffuser Blend onto your wrists and take a few deep breaths of this grounding yet energizing blend of
- uplifting orange and rosewood
- comforting vanilla and benzoin
- refreshing spearmint and sage
- clarifying coffee bean and black pepper
This blend’s a bit sticky and resinous so its smell will last a few hours. The spearmint oil makes it feel cooling on the skin. Combined with a light nourishing meal and drinking lots of water this oil blend will keep you focused on the rest of your itinerary and keep you motivated until you can collapse in gratitude onto a cozy bed at your final destination and take a well-deserved slumber.
- To combat jet lag spritz Arrive Revived when you wake up the next morning and any time you feel a bit nauseous or light-headed. The citrusy top notes will help you feel acclimatized in no time.
- Start exploring the new place you’ve travelled to by getting outside and oxygenating the body with an energizing walk. Maybe you’ll discover a garden or a park with delightful smelling flowers and herbs that will further sooth and balance your body and mind.
If you bring along these versatile jet-set essentials you won’t ever have to experience the stress and discomfort of a pink-eye flight. Bon voyage!