Monday, October 12, 2015

How to Be Productive on Long Plane Rides

Hey everyone! Kekai here, sorry about the long time between postings. Anyways, I'm here today to talk about something that's difficult even for the best of us: being productive on long plane rides--or any plane ride, for that matter. I've definitely been in situations where I've said, "Oh, I'll get that done on the plane ride there/back/in between!" and nothing's gotten done. Whether you're completing some homework, writing a novel, or whatever it is you need to complete, hopefully these tips will help you.

Be sure to be well-rested before your plane ride.

When I'm on a plane, the first thing I want to do is sleep--the whoooole time. When I went to Iceland and England last summer, I was planning on getting some writing done. I just slept instead! If you make sure you get plenty of sleep before the plane ride, and fuel yourself with food or caffeine once you're on the plane, it will be a lot easier for you to feel ready to get some work done once you've boarded.

Start as soon as you're in the air.

Seriously! The longer you wait to start your work, the more likely you are to drift off to sleep or do something else that's off-task. The sooner you get started, the sooner your work will be done; that's true in every instance, not just on plane rides.

Play some inspiring music (in your headphones).

Be sure to make a study/work/productivity playlist of some songs that motivate you before you get on the plane, or ensure that you have access to one that someone else has made. I've found that listening to music on a plane can feel kind of surreal, in a sense that you feel above it all and inspired. Whether it's New World Symphony or Anaconda, plug in to something that pumps you up!

Keep the window open.

That is, if your neighbors don't mind! Having the natural light filtering into your space can often help you feel more awake. On top of that, being able to see the clouds or sweeping landscapes below you can be a huge motivator. (I highly suggest just closing your window and sleeping on a red-eye...those are always the most difficult to work on--if you can do it, I applaud you!)

If you know them, ask your seatmate to hold you accountable. 

Having someone else who's aware of all the work you have to do can really help you get it done. They can reward you with snacks if you complete your task(s), and they can equally punish you by withholding your phone, coffee, or neck pillow until you accomplish your goal!

Well, there they are! I highly suggest trying to get some things done while you're on a plane--it's a fixed place with no internet, so you really don't have much else to do but the things you really need to complete! I hope you all find these tips helpful. :)

Happy travels,
Kekai

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