Back in my consulting days, Mondays at 6 AM often found me at DxB, ready to board a flight to my client’s site. Despite a restful weekend, a mere 2-hour flight would leave me, surprisingly, drained. Upon landing, I'd be hit by fatigue, dizziness, and a budding headache, a rough start to what was supposed to be a productive day. Initially, I blamed it on the early start. However, I've since come to learn that the real culprit was the air inside the plane.
I was astonished to learn that the air in airplanes is drier than in any place on Earth (that's the Atacama Desert in Chile)! The humidity level in the Dreamliner cabin is 10% to 15%, compared with the 4% to 7% typical in other airplanes. The environment onboard is optimized to reduce rust rather than to support human wellness. Little did I know that, essentially, I was spending my mornings in conditions mirroring the aridity of the sub-Sahara.
When I started working on oneshot earlier this year, I started to research and study the importance of adequate hydration to maintain health and improve the travel experience. It's not just about quenching thirst; it's about enabling your body to detoxify (dehydration, migraines, anyone?) and enhancing cognitive functions, especially when hopping from one meeting to the next across cities.
Granted, staying properly hydrated, especially while traveling, can be challenging. You're on the move, often with limited access to water, and like me, you might avoid drinking to dodge the inconvenient lavatories. This is where a carefully balanced drink, rich in essential electrolytes and vitamins, becomes invaluable to restoring the body’s natural balance. It’s worth noting, however, that not all electrolytes are created equal (a topic I’ll explore in a future post).
So, on your next airport run, consider packing a few hydration sticks in your travel bag. This simple self-care step can keep you feeling healthy, productive, and at your best.
I’d love to hear your experiences and any other travel hacks you’ve found helpful for those early Monday flights. Share your stories below!
Safe travels!
