If there's one thing that I'm doing a lot this winter break, it's flying. During my more-than-10-hour travel between the Hawaiian islands and the east coast (or anywhere else on the mainland), I've discovered how productive these airplane rides can be. Or at least, not boring anymore. Here are some things I've started doing in order to keep myself from going insane and to get the most out of my time spent in the air -- all without WiFi!
1. Write.
Anything and everything. From journal entries to poems, to lists, to even your next up and coming epic novel! All you need is an empty piece of paper and something to write with, and it'll be sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Here's a challenge: create fictional life stories for random people on board. Make them your muse and write them into art.
2. Sleep!
Especially if you're flying through different time zones, you'll need to catch up on that missed hours of sleep. Relax and get yourself comfortable (no shame in asking the flight attendant for extra pillows).
Whether it be a restorative nap or an extensive sleep that lasts the whole ride, you'll emerge from your long flight happier and healthier, I promise.
3. Spark up conversation.
Some people can't stay quiet for long periods of time, engage with them. This way, you won't have to make up tales about them like in the first point, you'll actually get to know them! Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers, and if they seem open to talking, exchange stories.
Every passenger has two things in common: they're leaving somewhere and they'll be arriving at somewhere else. Talk about that! You'll be surprised how many interesting human beings you can meet on a plane ride.
4. Read, watch, listen.
Whether reading from a paperback book or using Netflix's new download feature on your smart phone device to watch movies, these are good ways to spend your free time.
Here are my personal recommendations:
Read - No Matter the Wreckage, a book of poems by Sarah Kay, possibly my favorite contemporary spoken word female poet
Watch - Barry, a 2016 Netflix original movie about Barrack Obama's time in New York
Listen - absolutely any song by Common Kings (Hawaii-based music), I suggest Before You Go
5. Photoshoot.
Up your visual game on social media! Yes, this could include lavatory bathroom mirror selfies (I can't say I've never done it myself). See what beautiful sights and moments you can capture on camera either inside the plane or outside the window.
Give it a shot!
The most important thing to remember here is: different people perceive productivity differently. You ultimately get to decide, within reason, how you want to spend your time 40,000 feet above ground. Safe travels!
