Why you should pack a tennis ball for your next flight

Whether you like a game of tennis or not, you won’t need to perfect your swing to make use of a tennis ball on a long flight. If you’ve struggled with tight muscles, pain and discomfort during flights before, then doing a few exercises on your next trip could bring you some relief and make your journey much more enjoyable.

One great way to release some tension in the body during a long flight, and keep some of those aches and pains away, is to do some self-massaging.

But if your fingers and hands aren’t able to apply much pressure on their own, it’s worth packing a tennis ball to get the job done.

Read more: 5 yoga stretches to help you during a long flight

All you have to do is pop your tennis ball under your feet, in the small of your back or even sit on it, to massage the sore spots on your body, also known as trigger points.

Here’s how to massage yourself during a long flight:

• Apply the tennis ball to an area that feels sore or tense
• Add pressure so you feel what some might call a “good” pain
• Relax into the pressure so your knots and tight areas can release and soften
• After you’ve massaged the area, make sure you stretch it out and keep it moving, perhaps going for a walk around the cabin

Massage therapist, Nema Nyar, says that doing this simple exercise can really improve your health.

“Self-massage with tennis balls is greatly enhanced by stretching, which further increases circulation and reeducates the muscles to rest at a longer length,” she said.

“The pressure may be painful, but if it feels like good pain and you can relax in it, stay there for a few breaths.”

Will you be packing a tennis ball the next time you fly? Have you ever tried this during a flight? Let us know in the comments section below.