![\"\"](\"https:\/\/badvibes.live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-1947408578-300x200.webp\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
From wrapped\u00a0Christmas gifts<\/a>\u00a0to bottles of\u00a0Baileys<\/a>, there\u2019s a few must-pack items that always go in the suitcase if you\u2019re heading away for the\u00a0holidays<\/a>.<\/p>\n But if you\u2019re catching a\u00a0festive flight<\/a>, there\u2019s a unsuspecting addition you should be\u00a0including on your list<\/a>: and that\u2019s a tennis ball.<\/p>\n No, not so you can ward off boredom by playing a game of catch with your aisle mates \u2013 it\u2019s actually all to do with avoiding stiffness or aches while in the air. And it certainly won\u2019t take up too much space in your bag, either.<\/p>\n It can also be used to enhance circulation, intended to be used by gently applying pressure and rolling it up and down the thighs, legs, or even shoulders, according to health experts.<\/p>\n Registered osteopath\u00a0and qualified\u00a0sleep<\/a>\u00a0therapist Tracy Hannigan previously debunked a few viral travel tips as part of a partnership with travel insurance specialist\u00a0InsureandGo<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 and recommended using a tennis ball in tandem with another teeny piece of paraphernalia.<\/p>\n She explained: \u2018A\u00a0great tip is to find\u00a0a\u00a0hand towel, put the\u00a0ball\u00a0in the middle of it\u00a0and roll it like\u00a0a\u00a0sausage. When you then\u00a0apply pressure using the\u00a0ball,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0easier to position\u00a0and will prevent it from skidding out of position, which can be painful.<\/p>\n \u2018A\u00a0tennis\u00a0ball\u00a0is small\u00a0and light\u00a0and can help you to\u00a0apply soothing pressure to points you might otherwise not be\u00a0able to reach.\u2019<\/p>\n She also recommended stretching regularly to\u00a0help with stiffness<\/a>, noting that the side of the neck can be extended by \u2018turning the chin towards the armpit and gently applying pressure to stretch the opposite side of the neck.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018You can even stretch your lower back in your plane seat, by crossing your legs\u00a0and leaning forward,\u00a0as if\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0trying to reach down to the crossed-over foot\u00a0with\u00a0your elbow,\u2019 she added.<\/p>\n In a bid to enjoy a slightly comfier long-haul flight, travel aficionados have also got on board with this hack. Posting over in the\u00a0r\/TravelHacks Subreddit<\/a>, @tmckhar swears by it.<\/p>\n They penned: \u2018Place it at the base of your spine near your tailbone. I do this when driving long periods ,and it helps with back pain.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n