When it comes to packing a carry-on bag for a flight, most of us include a good book, magazine, headphones, or maybe even a neck pillow. There is one surprising item that will benefit you more than any of these- and it's a tennis ball! Tennis balls can be used to alleviate the uncomfortable or painful side-effects of flying, such as joint pain and muscle aches. It is also common for out feet to swell and for the soles of our feet and backs to ache during a long flight. Surgeon Ali Ghoz, from the London Orthopedic Clinic, told GoodHousekeeping, that the solution is to press a tennis ball into the sore or tense areas when onboard.
You can use the ball to massage these uncomfortable areas until they loosen with added pressure! Who knew? This can also help increase circulation, which is important to do if you're sitting on a long flight and to get the blood flowing. So, before your next trip, remember to add that small, neon ball to your packing list.