Jet lag can make or break your vacation because it is this foggy cloud that settles over you. My husband travels to California for work and I have no clue how his body acclimates to the time difference so well. I started to do some research and realized there are things you could do to adjust your body to jet lag, so I thought I’d share some of the tips I’ve found:
SO, WHAT THE HECK IS JET LAG?
The medical term for jet lag is desynchronosis. It is a physiological condition that is caused when the body’s circadian rhythms (internal time clock) is warped due to rapid long-distance (east–west or west–east) travel.
WHAT SYMPTOMS CAN JET LAG CAUSE?
Everyone can experience different symptoms of jet lag. Personally, I feel like I have a cloud of smog surrounding my head. People complain of having memory problems, a hard time concentrating, irritation, difficulty making decisions, loss of appetite, tired muscles, and bathroom issues.
So, what can you do to prevent some of these symptoms?
TIPS BEFORE YOU GET ON THE PLANE:
STOPOVER: When planning your trip, could you do an overnight stopover? Slowly allow your body to adjust to the time difference if possible.
GET SOME SLEEP: 2-3 nights before your trip, make sure you get a good night sleep. This is not the time to pull all-nighters!
ARRIVAL: Most people agree that early afternoon is the best time to arrive to your new time zone. This will allow time for a nap, time to get outside, and then time to settle in for the night.
RECOVERY TIME: If you are traveling for an event (wedding, conference, job interview) arrive a day or two early to allow recovery time for your body and give it time to adjust to the new time zone.
TIPS WHILE YOU’RE ON THE PLANE:
CATCH SOME ZZZZZZ’S: If possible, try to get some sleep while on the plane. Click HERE for tips on taking an overnight flight.
HYDRATE: You should be drinking 8 oz. of water for every hour you are flying. You can also drink tea since it is a soothing beverage. Try to avoid drinks that are filled with sugar.
LIMIT ALCOHOL: I know…I know…there’s nothing better than a cocktail on a plane, especially for nervous flyers like myself! However, you may regret it when you land since alcohol will increase your chance of jet lag.
EAT HEALTHY: Try to eat food that is low in carbohydrates and is not processed. It’s easy to have a free-for-all when traveling, but try to keep it under control…lol.
NO PILLS: If you do not normally take sleeping pills, this is not the time to start. Everyone has different reactions to pills so don’t take them just because they work for your friend.
TIPS WHEN YOU GET TO YOUR DESTINATION:
GET MOVING: Don’t worry…you don’t have to run a marathon. Take a walk around your new destination to get your bearings or do some stretching in your hotel room.
BRAIN POWER: Some people think giving your brain a good workout helps with jet lag. Try doing a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or even just read a book.
TIME TO EAT: Try to eat at the appropriate time of your new destination. Are you hungry but it’s not dinner time? Have a healthy snack instead of eating a full meal and then order something small at dinner.
GET OUTSIDE: Nature can be an amazing source of healing. Get yourself outside, breath in some fresh air, and feel the wind on your face. Deep breathing exercises are also a great idea!
RELAX: There are two theories about how to spend your first day. One group strongly feels the first day should be all about relaxation. They suggest not making any plans, relaxing in your hotel, and taking plenty of naps. If possible, they suggest heading to the spa, go for a leisurely swim in the hotel pool, or spend the day in bed.
OR
GET BUSY: The second theory is to keep moving on your first day. They believe you should get out and sight-see, stay active, and not take any naps. I guess I would do what works best for your family. We tend to do a combination of both. If we have an overnight flight, we do early check-in at our hotel and immediately take a nap. (I can’t sleep on a plane so I’m usually ready to pass out.) We sleep for a few hours then force ourselves to get out of our hotel room and explore our new destination. We do a relaxed dinner and go to sleep at an appropriate time.
COFFEE BREAK: If you’re tired in the afternoon you may be tempted to have a strong cup of coffee. However, you may regret this when it’s time to fall asleep that night. Save that coffee for morning.
NAPPING: If you do have a nap, make sure it is no longer than 3 hours long. Having a too long of a nap may backfire on you and cause you to be lazy for the rest of the day.
What tips do you have for relieving jet lag?