---
title: Travel is exhausting
date: 2026-04-16T10:11:40-07:00
categories:
  - links
---

This is surprising because... well, we're just sitting and the vehicle's doing the work, right?

But:

- Vehicles accelerate, brake, bump, turn, vibrate, ... and our muscles micro-adjust continously so we sit upright. Over hours hours, that's a _lot_ of energy.
- We feel like we're still. But the inner-ear fluids, eyes, etc. constantly get feedback about motion. That mentally drains us (and causes motion sickness).
- Noise from vehicles, traffic, ... triggers cortisol, a stress hormone. That drains us.
- Sitting in one place restricts blood flow and it pools in our legs, making the heart work harder.
- In flights, the air pressure is low, lowering oxygen levels. The dehydration thickens our blood, making pumping harder.

What helps is:

- Noise-cancelling headphones (reduces the rumbling / traffing sounds)
- Compression socks (reduce blood pooling in the feet)
- Eye masks
- Good back support

... and the usual good habits:

- Drink water
- Exercise
- Fasting / eating light
- Breathe slowly

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