Whilst many of us relish the prospect of jetting off on holiday, the airport ordeal can prove rather nerve-wracking. From lengthy queues to fretting over whether you’ve packed everything essential – countless concerns flood your mind during travel, making the process far from straightforward.
However, one expert has issued a stark warning about a particular activity you might wish to avoid. If you’re seeking a tranquil and hassle-free flight, there’s one thing you may want to sidestep at the airport to significantly enhance your air travel experience, and the guidance could prove particularly valuable if you’re notorious for excessive mobile phone usage, as it might genuinely affect your journey.
With the holiday season currently in full flow, numerous viral recommendations are circulating. Nevertheless, regarding self-care and protecting your technology, there’s crucial advice travellers must heed.
Gaming specialist Dmitry Kandratsyeu, Head of Product at Solitaires.com, revealed: “As a games expert with an interest in gaming habits, I’ve noticed that a lot of popular mobile games are designed to keep your brain on high alert. Fast-reaction titles like Candy Crush, Stack or Duet are all about quick thinking, bright visuals and constant rewards. It’s a recipe for staying engaged, but also for feeling overstimulated.
“In my view, when you play these kinds of games for long stretches during a flight, you’re not giving your mind much chance to switch off. Instead of helping you unwind, they can leave you feeling wired and restless. Your brain is processing rapid taps, colourful animations and pop-up messages all at once.”
He added: “That flood of stimulation doesn’t exactly set you up for a smooth nap or an easy adjustment to a new time zone, which can have a negative effect on jet lag symptoms.
“There’s also the matter of blue light from your phone or tablet. Research has shown that blue light can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps signal when it’s time to sleep.
“Combined with cabin lighting and the general disruption of your usual sleep routine, it’s easy to see how hours of fast-paced gameplay could make jet lag feel even worse.
“Of course, games can be a great way to pass the time on a long-haul flight. But it pays to think about what kind of experience you’re choosing. I’d recommend mixing in slower-paced options like Solitaire, word puzzles or audiobooks.
“These still help you stay occupied, but they don’t demand the same intense focus. If you do prefer fast-action games, try limiting your sessions and giving your eyes and brain regular breaks. Even something simple – like turning off your screen an hour before landing – can help you feel calmer and more rested when you step off the plane.”
The expert continued: “Ultimately, it comes down to balance. Games are a fantastic way to make travel feel shorter but, in my opinion, it’s wise to be aware of how certain titles affect your mental state.
“Even just switching off your screen an hour before landing could make you feel noticeably more refreshed and ready to adjust to your destination.”
So, there you have it – the way you utilise your mobile device at the terminal can genuinely hamper your journey experience, particularly when engaging with gaming applications.
Whilst high-energy games may overstimulate your mind, making relaxation during your flight more challenging, luminous displays and rapid-response gameplay could interfere with your body’s innate rest signals.
Opting for more tranquil gaming options or offline brain teasers might assist you in unwinding and reaching your destination feeling more revitalised, making them frequently the superior selection if you sense the urge to maintain mental engagement.
