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The Ultimate Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) on a Long-Haul Flight ✈️

Autumn Adams

With our upcoming retreat to Thailand, I know that for many of you, this will be your first true long-haul flight. And let’s be real—seeing “25+ hours” on your itinerary can feel daunting. But as someone who has made the journey from the U.S. to Asia more times than I can count, I can promise you this: you CAN do this—and even arrive feeling (mostly) human.

I’ve had my fair share of brutal flights, from unexpected delays to uncomfortable seats to that one time I found myself in the middle seat for 14 hours (never again). And this year? I’m adding a 3.5-year-old into the mix. Traveling with a tiny human is a whole different beast, but it’s taught me even more about how to prepare for long-haul flights like a pro.

So today, I’m sharing my must-haves, travel hacks, and expert organization tips to help you arrive feeling refreshed, comfortable, and ready to step into your Glow Within Retreat experience.

The Essentials I NEVER Fly Without

These are my non-negotiables for making a long-haul flight as smooth as possible:

1. Feeling Human: In-Flight Self-Care 🌿

Let’s be honest—airplane air sucks the life out of your skin and sitting in the same spot for hours isn’t exactly luxurious. Here’s what keeps me feeling fresh (or at least not like a total zombie) by the time I land:

✔ Toothbrush & toothpaste – Brushing my teeth mid-flight is an instant refresh.
✔ Micellar water face wipes & moisturizer – Airplane air is so drying—hydration is key.
✔ Chapstick – Because dry, cracked lips are not the vibe.
✔ Mascara & cream blush – A touch of color can make all the difference before landing.
✔ Favorite essential oil – A little lavender or peppermint can work wonders for relaxation.
✔ Moisturizing eye gels – Pop them on mid-flight for a spa-like moment in the sky.

2. Sleeping on a Plane: The Non-Negotiables 😴

Even if you’re not the best sleeper on planes, these items significantly increase your chances of actually resting:

✔ Neck pillow – Invest in a good one; your spine will thank you.
✔ Quality eye mask – The flimsy airline ones don’t cut it. A weighted or silk eye mask is a game-changer.
✔ Comfy socks + compression socks – Keep your feet warm and reduce swelling with compression socks.
✔ Scarf, shawl, or sarong – Works as a blanket, makeshift pillow, or even an extra layer if the cabin gets cold.
✔ Relaxing tea or sleep gummies – A gentle way to encourage rest without grogginess.
✔ Yoga nidra or guided relaxation – Sleep is by far the best way to survive a long haul flight. The sooner you can relax and nap the better. Use the tools that you know work for you. For me, that’s yoga nidra!

3. Entertainment & Staying Sane 🎧

Flights this long require entertainment strategy—otherwise, time slows to a crawl. Here’s what I bring to keep boredom at bay:

✔ Kindle or Audible books – Physical books are too bulky; audiobooks are great for when I want to close my eyes.
✔ Favorite podcasts – Download them ahead of time. I mix in mindset, storytelling, and comedy.
✔ Noise-canceling headphones – Essential for blocking out crying babies (including my own).
✔ Chargers & a portable power bank – Because the last thing you need is a dead phone when you land.
✔ Laptop/tablet (if working) – I usually work on flights, so my tech gear comes along.
✔ Games – No better time to learn sudoku or become an expert crossword puzzler

4. Staying Comfortable & Pain-Free ✨

✔ Topical pain cream & ibuprofen – Just in case of neck or back pain.
✔ Magnesium & riboflavin – Helps with muscle relaxation and avoiding headaches.
✔ Electrolyte powder + water bottle – Did I mention that hydration is key? Electrolyte packets make it easier to replenish.
✔ Hand sanitizer & sanitizing wipes – Yes, I wipe down my seat. No shame.

5. Smart Snacking Strategy 🍎🥜

Airport food is overpriced, and airplane food is… well, airplane food. I always bring my own snacks:

✔ Fresh produce (eat it before landing to avoid customs issues).
✔ Nut butter packets & olives – Healthy fats keep me full longer.
✔ Crunchy snack & something sweet – Because sometimes you just need a treat.
✔ Protein source – Think protein bars or nuts for sustained energy.

6. Organizing Important Documents & Tech 🔍

Staying organized while traveling makes everything 10x easier—especially on long-haul flights. Here’s how I keep track of the essentials:

Travel Documents: Keep Them Accessible

✔ Passport & Visa Info – In an easy-to-reach pocket or a digital scan on your phone.
✔ Flight & Hotel Confirmations – Save them in your email, Notes app, or a travel folder on your phone.
✔ Travel Insurance Details – Screenshot or print out in case of emergencies.

Tech & Cords: No More Tangled Messes

✔ Cord Organizer Case – Keeps chargers, adapters, and cables neatly stored.
✔ Universal Travel Adapter – A must if traveling internationally.
✔ Portable Power Bank – For keeping your phone charged on long layovers.
✔ Offline Downloads – Make sure your books, podcasts, and shows are ready to go before you board.

7. What to Wear & Pack in Your Carry-On

Comfort > Fashion. Always. My go-to long-haul outfit:

✔ Soft leggings or loose joggers – No stiff jeans allowed.
✔ Breathable top + cozy sweater – Cabin temps fluctuate.
✔ Slip-on shoes – Easy for security & in-flight bathroom runs.
✔ Weather-appropriate change of clothes – Including underwear & bra (because a fresh set makes all the difference after 20+ hours).

As for luggage, I always prefer a backpack over a shoulder bag—hands-free is the way to go, especially if you have a tight connection.

Final Travel Hacks to Make Your Flight Even Easier

✨ Hydrate like it’s your job – Start before you fly and sip consistently during the flight.
✨ Move every few hours – Stand up, stretch, walk the aisles—your body will thank you.
✨ Sync your sleep schedule early – Start adjusting to your destination’s time zone a few days before you leave.
✨ Don’t overpack your carry-on – Keep it light & efficient—you don’t want to be digging for things mid-flight.
✨ Use a digital wallet for boarding passes – Saves time fumbling for paper copies.
✨ Maximize the use of your layover time – Look at the maps of your layover airport and find your gates, any yummy looking restaurants, bathrooms, lounges, and yes… look for that yoga room and stretch it out. Your body will thank you! Your mind will too.

Final Thoughts: You Got This!

A long-haul flight doesn’t have to be miserable. With the right preparation, mindset, and essentials, you can actually enjoy the journey and step off the plane feeling refreshed and ready to embrace your retreat experience.

See you soon! ✨

Autumn 🌿💛

Ajna Chakra Kriya For Clarity, Focus and Peace

Autumn Adams

Welcome to your Ajna Chakra Kriya practice! This journey is all about awakening your third eye, the epicenter of your intuition and inner wisdom. Before we dive in, take a moment to find your perfect seat. Maybe you’re on the ground, or perhaps in a cozy chair. Either way, sit tall with your spine straight and your heart open. Close your eyes and turn your focus inward.

ajna-chakra-kriya-meditation-hand-on-heart

Grounding Breath

Begin to connect with your breath. Take a deep inhale through your nose, letting your lungs fill up completely. Hold it for just a second. Now, exhale slowly and fully through your nose, releasing any tension with each breath out. Keep up this rhythm: a deep inhale, a brief hold, and a full, slow exhale. Feel yourself grounding more with each and every breath.

In this moment, remind yourself that even amidst the chaos of life, you can find peace and clarity within yourself. Allow this realization to sink in: you are not overwhelmed—you are empowered to find your center.

Setting Intention

Shift your awareness to the space between your eyebrows—your Ajna chakra, or third eye. This is where your intuition and higher wisdom reside. As you breathe, set an intention for your practice. Maybe you want clarity, to trust your intuition more, to build focus or presence, or to deepen your awareness. Whatever it is, hold it in your mind’s eye..

In this space, let go of any doubts you have about your ability to trust your intuition. Know that the answers you seek are already within you; you have the power to listen to your inner voice and follow its guidance.

Breathwork: Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

We’ll start with Nadi Shodhana to balance your energy and clear your mind. Here’s how:

  1. Close your right nostril with your thumb.
  2. Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
  3. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, releasing your thumb from your right nostril.
  4. Exhale fully through your right nostril.
  5. Inhale through your right nostril, then close it and exhale through your left.

As you keep this pattern going for a few rounds, focus on the breath flowing in and out. I like to envision the breath as light flowing up to my third eye on each inhale. With each exhale, imagine clearing away the mental clutter and confusion that may have been weighing you down. With each inhale, embrace the clarity and peace that is now becoming your reality.

Third Eye, Ajna Focused Kriya: Breath and Visualization

Time to dive deeper into your third eye:

  1. Inhale deeply.
  2. As you hold your breath, visualize a vibrant light glowing at the center of your forehead. It may have a color. Indigo is often associated with the third eye.
  3. Exhale and let this indigo light expand and flow outward, filling your mind with clarity and peace.
  4. Each breath expanding the light filling this energetic center.

Repeat this for a few more rounds. As you breathe in, see that indigo light at your third eye, and on your exhale, let it expand, clearing away any lingering mental fog. Remember, you are not bound by any mental clutter; you are releasing it with every breath.

Silent Meditation

Now, let go of controlling your breath. Just observe it as it flows naturally. Keep your awareness on the space between your eyebrows. Visualize that steady indigo light at your third eye. Let thoughts come and go like passing clouds. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sensation or visualization of your Ajna chakra.

In this silent observation, allow yourself to let go of the belief that you must control your thoughts to meditate effectively. Instead, find peace in the flow of your breath and the gentle rhythm of your thoughts.

Closing

To wrap up, bring your hands together at your heart center. Take a moment to feel the energy you’ve cultivated. Trust that your intuition and inner guidance are growing stronger with every breath, every moment of awareness. You are not just a passive observer of your thoughts; you are actively shaping your inner landscape.

Take one last deep breath in, and as you exhale, slowly open your eyes, carrying the clarity and insight from this practice into your day.

Closing Mantra

Let’s seal this practice with a gentle OM. Inhale deeply… OMMMMM…

OM is the bija mantra associated with the sixth chakra. You can learn more about it here.

If you’d prefer a guided practice check out the Ajna Kriya practice on my YouTube channel.

Do you want to Unlock the full potential of your intuition? Ready to take your journey to the next level? Book a one-on-one session or retreat with me to explore your unique intuition and develop personalized practices tailored to your needs. This is my jam! I love helping women like yourself step into their power, reclaim their truth and live a life of abundant joy.

Download our free Chakra Guide on the top techniques for enhancing your third eye awareness and discover how to integrate practices like this one into your daily life. This is by far the largest, most jam packed Chakra Guide I’ve seen on the internet and it’s free… for a little bit longer.

I’m always an email away, so don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to support you.

You Can Preorder The Little Book of Mudra Meditations Now

Autumn Adams

Hey beautiful yogis! I’m so ridiculously excited to announce that my book The Little Book of Mudra Meditations: 30 hand Gestures for Healing is finally available for presale on Amazon. It still feels surreal to have a book available for sale on Amazon. It’s still sinking in.

This book was written for you. The writing is honest and real, without too much “woo”. It’s meant for anyone seeking more wellness in their life, not just yoga teachers and yogis. That being said, yoga teachers will love having the mudras and meditations already paired… it makes prep time for class, so much faster!

Nowadays I always practice meditation with a hand mudra, I just can’t imagine it any other way. The mudra meditations in this book are actual meditation practices that I practice and teach.

I would love to share an excerpt from the book and one of my favorite mudras with you. Sukham Mudra is so good for stress relief. If you’re like me and juggling multiple projects and trying to maintain a healthy, easeful, joyful life… give this mudra a try!

“In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Patanjali says, “Sthira-sukham asanam,” or
“Our seat should be both steady and easeful.” This sutra, however, applies not only to our meditation practice, but also life as a whole. For many of us,
we’re overscheduled, overtasked, overstimulated, exhausted, burned out,
stressed out, and no longer connected to the cycles and rhythms of nature.

Sukham is all about creating ease, happiness, harmony, flow, and joy.
It’s about creating time to slow down and get present with our essence,
with our truth.”

Take this mudra outdoors, sit and breathe and be still. With each cycle of breath allow your body to soften and release the tension, stress, and worry of the day.

If you would like to learn more about mudras, you can snag your copy on Amazon now. It’s available for presale! If you bring it on retreat or to a teacher training, I’ll even sign it for you! 😉

Love and Light,

Autumn

mudra meditations book