There are various types of things that one tends to pack inside their carry-on; stacks of clothes, extra pairs of underwear, and a good book or two, but there is one item that you should never forget to bring along with you on all flights, and that is a tennis ball. Try to bear with me here.
The reason why you should carry a tennis ball along with you in your flight does not involve any fun activity like bouncing it against the plane’s cabin walls (seriously, never do such a thing). It does, however, help with some much-needed relief with stretching while you are thousands of feet in the air.
It’s a widely known fact that sitting for a prolonged period of time can be unhealthy, which is why it’s quite expected that long flights won’t exactly be one of the healthiest activities. Standing up, walking around and stretching are simple activities that will go a long way in maintaining a desirable level of comfort and helping you recover faster from the effects of jet lag.
Ali Gjoz, a surgeon from the London Orthopaedic Clinic revealed a handful of secrets with the Daily Star. “Taking a tennis ball or a massager on the plane will help increase circulation,” he says. Roll the tennis ball across your shoulders, lower back area, legs, and the sole of your feet to allow your blood to flow better.
In case you are simply unable to fit the tennis ball inside your bag, (which can be tricky if you’re trying to stuff a whole week’s clothing inside a carry-on), Gjoz recommends massaging your legs instead, beginning with the ankles and then making your way up, to aid in proper blood flow.
In the event that you feel concerned about the opinions of other people aboard the plane, never entertain it. It’s much better to keep healthy and get that blood running instead of worrying your appearing to be a little silly.