Female pilots face unique physical and psychological demands in their careers. In addition to the stresses of aviation duties, women pilots must also contend with challenges to fitness and wellness. Addressing these factors proactively helps maximize health, career longevity and work-life balance.
Female bodies require higher daily calorie burn due just to physiological differences (Hall et al., 2012). Yet sedentary nature of flying coupled with irregular schedules can encourage unhealthy eating habits. Pilots must plan nutritious Whole Foods to fuel long duty days without extra snacking temptations.
Women pilots have higher risk for certain issues like urinary tract infections from prolonged sitting without breaks for hydration or restroom trips (Gibbs et al., 2015). Staying hydrated, incorporating movement stretches and scheduling timely breaks combats such risks.
Fatigue and mood management pose challenges with interrupted sleep cycles due to night, early morning or transmeridian flights disrupting circadian rhythms (Alhola & Polo-Kantola, 2007). Tracking energy levels and prioritizing rest counteracts disruption impacts.
Women face societal pressures around body image not faced by male counterparts. Pilots must implement self-care like positive self-talk, maintaining support networks and focusing on capabilities verses appearance comparisons to nurture confidence and wellness (Puetz & McCrory, 2015).
By thoughtfully addressing physical, mental and societal health considerations, women aviators can achieve optimal fitness and well-being cornerstones for balanced and fulfilling careers traversing the skies.
References
Alhola, P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 3(5), 553–567. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s1747
Gibbs, R. S., Blanco, J. D., & Schmitt, C. (2015). Urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Infectious disease clinics of North America, 29(2), 361–375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idc.2015.02.002
Hall, K. D., Heymsfield, S. B., Kemnitz, J. W., Klein, S., Schoeller, D. A., & Speakman, J. R. (2012). Energy balance and its components: implications for body weight regulation. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 95(4), 989–994. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.112.036350
Puetz, T. W., & McCrory, P. (2015). Heart rate variability as a marker of self-regulated engagement during skill acquisition. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9, 265. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00265
Comments