Long Flights to Eastern Europe and Tension

Flights to Eastern Europe can be long - especially if you're flying from the US or Canada - and tense. Unhappy children, neighbors who don't seem to understand that headphone volume should remain at a level that respects other passengers' right to iTunes-free travel, uncomfortable seating, stale air, and the constant drone of the plane's engine can all add to stress and tension levels. Many people tend to hold tension in the muscles of their face and neck, so it's especially important to focus on relaxing this area of the body so your journey can be more pleasant.

Arlene Fleming, About.com's Guide to Air Travel, has put together a self-massage tutorial that focuses on the muscles of the face. This self-massage can be done prior to boarding, while in flight, or during layovers. Tutorial for Self-Massage of the Face

Additionally, if your shoulders and neck muscles are tensing up, sometimes a combination of deep-breathing and relaxation of the shoulders can help. Simply take a deep breath, and on the exhale draw your shoulders down, away from the ears. This exercise can be done while sitting or while laying down, so it can also be helpful if you are having trouble sleeping due to tension in the shoulders and neck.