Setting out on a travel day, whether heading to the airport for a flight or jumping in the car for an old-fashioned road trip, means you have to be fully prepped with all the essentials in your tote or carry-on. While the usuals are expected, including chargers and snacks, you might want to consider adding an unconventional item to your packing list: a tennis ball. 

Why Are People Traveling With Tennis Balls?

No, this isn’t because they’re planning to hit the courts at their destination. Actually, tennis balls can be a useful travel item to have on hand for longer traveling days when muscle tightness, tension, and blood circulation all might start to stockpile and take a toll on your body. 

Plane seats never fail to seem cramped, which can lead to discomfort amongst other issues. Similarly, road-tripping keeps your body so stagnant that you might find that you arrive at your destination feeling less-than-nimble. Tennis balls help by offering an on-the-go way to relieve tension and tightness, as well as improve blood circulation. You can use them similarly to a stretch foam roller to roll up and down key areas, including your back, legs, and feet—while being small enough to not crowd your bag.

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How Tennis Balls Can Make Traveling Easier
Increasing Blood Circulation 

The main problem with sitting in a cramped upright position for hours? Your blood isn’t getting its proper circulation in the body, which can lead to feeling swollen and uncomfortable at the least and actually cause blood clots at worst. Using a tennis ball to roll out your muscles helps boost circulation. 

Releasing Tension

Keeping in the same position for a long period of time, especially if cramped or uncomfortable, can also lead to muscles tensing up and feeling tight. Use the tennis balls during travel and after to give your body instant relief. You’ll feel ready to take on your new destination. 

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How To Use Tennis Balls for Relief and Circulation

While some prefer putting a tennis ball in a sock for easy handling when traveling, you can also just use a tennis ball directly to achieve the same result. Focus on key areas such as your back, legs, and feet.

Back: Place a tennis ball between your back and seat. Roll it from just below your shoulder blades down towards your hips, and repeat as desired. Legs: To stretch out the backs of your legs, you can place a tennis ball between the backside of your thighs and seat bottom. Roll it up and down your hamstrings for relief. Calves are generally easier to roll out when stretched out on the floor, so try to do so at your destination.Feet: Remove shoes and place the tennis ball between your foot arch and the ground. Roll back and forth. 

With your trusty tennis ball in tow, travel just got a little less stressful.