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After a few long winter months, we’ve officially made it to spring. While I’m sure we are all feeling excited about the warmer weather and hopefully more vacations, our bodies may not be ready for the change in activity.
Whether you have a long flight to a tropical destination or you’re spending a few hours in the car traveling up to friends and family, your legs may feel sluggish and heavy afterward. Sometimes it takes a few minutes, sometimes longer, before things feel normal again.
That’s circulation at work, and it’s normal to feel this way as we move more this time of year. Alternating between long periods of sitting and standing can temporarily slow circulation and make it harder for blood to flow efficiently, especially in the legs.
For women over 50, especially, supporting overall vascular health can play an important role in staying energized, comfortable, and active throughout the season. Alongside simple daily habits, many are turning to clinically studied ingredients like Pycnogenol® as part of a more proactive, inside-out approach to wellness.
Why Pycnogenol® Is Gaining Attention
Pycnogenol® is a natural extract from French maritime pine bark and is one of the most widely studied plant-based ingredients to support vascular health and healthy blood flow. Rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids, it helps support endothelial function, which is the health of the inner lining of blood vessels, which plays a key role in keeping blood vessels flexible and circulation efficient.
For more than 40 years, Pycnogenol® has been researched for its role in supporting circulation, particularly during periods when blood flow may slow, such as long-distance travel. Clinical studies have shown that travelers taking Pycnogenol® experienced significantly less leg and ankle swelling and discomfort during long-haul flights compared to those who did not supplement, suggesting it may help support healthy circulation during extended periods of sitting.
Tips for Improving Circulation Amid Long Travel and Active Days
While Pycnogenol® provides foundational support, pairing it with everyday habits can help you feel your best:
Move often
If you’re traveling, stand up, stretch, or walk every hour when possible. If you’re unable to get up every hour, seated workouts can help boost circulation as well. Experts suggest pointing your toes up and down, then side to side, to get your blood moving, or flexing the muscles in your feet, calves, and legs to engage them.
Stay hydrated
Fluids help support healthy blood flow. Our blood is mostly made up of water, so it’s important to stay hydrated, especially when our circulation may not be in an ideal state. According to Mayo Clinic, the average healthy adult will get enough water if they drink about 11.5 cups to 15.5 cups daily.
Elevate your legs
Once you are settled at your destination or back home, find a comfortable seated position with your legs elevated on a pillow or lie on the floor with your legs up against a wall to put gravity to work and decrease the built-up pressure. Elevating your legs can help prevent or ease vein conditions.
Add nutritional support
Experts often recommend melatonin to aid in sleep on long flights or L-theanine to ease anxiety before travel. When it comes to circulation, super antioxidant Pycnogenol® is the go-to addition to your wellness routine.
Feel Your Best this Spring
As the weather warms up, many of us look forward to traveling, being outdoors, and staying active again. But feeling your best during these activities isn’t just about staying fit; it’s also about supporting the systems that keep your body moving comfortably.
Whether you’re on a long flight, exploring a new city, or simply spending more time on your feet, small habits, like staying hydrated and supporting vascular health with circulation-enhancing Pycnogenol®, can help you feel more energized.
Because when circulation is working well, it’s easier to focus on what matters most: enjoying the experience and making the most of the spring season.
