Long Journey in Economy Class (immobilization for an extended time)

Sorry, that I slacked off writing this blog for a little while. I went back to my hometown, which is a 7 hours journey away by bus.

When I arrive, I found my joints stiff and felt like rusty metal robot.

So here's a short writing for you. (also to kick myself back into action)

I remembered the time when I had to take a 13-hour flight 2 times a year to where I was studying. Yup, all in economy class (because a business class would cost almost 2 times more). And very oftenly, by the time we got off the plane, we can't walk properly as our legs would be either numb, or felt like crawling upon by million ants 😬.

Not going the whole way explaining how this happens, but here's a summary: poor blood flow, compression of nerve, mild joint inflammation.

You may even feel a total loss of sensation in both your legs, as if they aren't yours (anaesthesia). Then when you got up to walk a bit, it feels as if your legs are under the attack of a million ants.
The feelings of a million ants (parasthesia) happens when your tissues (which includes the nerves) are being reperfused of blood, bringing oxygen that relieves them from hypoxic (lack of oxygen) state.
Also when your nerve is compressed, it causes "traffic jam" to the nerve signal conduction, that the signals cannot be conducted properly.

Also, people tends to avoid going to toilet when travelling, which I would advise against that. Holding back your bladder is definitely not good for you.

So, here is what you have to do if you are on a plane:
When you are at the cruising altitude, when the belt sign is off, stand up and stretch every now and then, loosen your joints a bit, especially if you are on a long flight.

and on a bus:
Try to get yourself into a comfortable position, get a suitable neck pillow, so that you don't have to fall asleep with a tilted head.
Get off the bus to stretch and walk around a little whenever possible.

So my dears, have a safe trip ^_^