Traveling has many benefits to your health and wellbeing, but one of the biggest challenges of long trips is the dreaded jet lag. Whether you’re headed on a bicoastal trip or international journey, no need to worry because we’ve got a few tricks to help you overcome jet lag. Get ready to take on the world, one time zone at a time.
1. Stay hydrated
The power of hydration is a major key to conquering jet lag. Air travel can be dehydrating which can worsen the symptoms of jet lag. By drinking lots of water, you’re giving your body what it needs to combat the fatigue and disorientation that come with crossing time zones. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up before and during your flight and sip throughout.
2. Schedule redeyes
Opt for a redeye flight when possible to align your sleep schedule with your destination’s local time. By flying overnight and arriving in the morning, you’ll give yourself a head start for adapting to the new time zone.
3. Strategize sleep
This tip requires a bit of pre-planning. Before embarking on your journey, analyze your destination’s time zone and adjust your sleep routine accordingly. If you’re traveling east, try going to bed a bit earlier on the nights leading up to your trip. Likewise, if you’re traveling west, consider staying up a little later. This clever maneuver allows your body to adapt gradually, easing the shock of the time change and providing restful sleep post arrival.
4. Travel prepared
Sleeping on an airplane isn’t always the most relaxing, but having the right gear will transform your experience from restless to restful. Maximize your comfort with ear plugs, a neck pillow if you’re not traveling in first class, and an eye mask – your ultimate allies in the quest for a cozy in-flight slumber.
5. Coordinate meal times
One underrated and surprising recommendation: adjusting your mealtime to your destination. If it’s breakfast time in your new destination, don’t eat the dinner served on the plane, instead, indulge in a scrumptious morning feast. Craving dinner? Treat yourself to a delightful evening meal when the locals do. Bring food from home or buy meals that are easy to bring on board so you aren’t forced to eat what is served on the plane at the time they give it; make your own schedule. This clever trick helps reset your internal clock, signaling to your body that it’s time to adapt to the new rhythm of your surroundings.
6. Light exposure
Upon arrival, get your daily dose of natural sunlight. During the day, venture outdoors, explore and soak up the sunshine. Natural light acts as a powerful cue to your body, signaling that it’s daytime and time to be awake and alert in your new time zone. Get up and get moving so when it hits bedtime, you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep in your new location.
Stay protected
Keeping jet lag at bay is key when you travel, as is taking out travel insurance with Faye, as it plays an essential role in ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience.
These products and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas for how to overcome and prevent jet lag when traveling.
