Traveling is fun, or, at least it would be if you didn’t suffer from jet lag. Tiredness strikes because your internal clock is out of whack. You’re designed to eat and sleep at specific junctures of the day or night, and you’re fatigued when you break your natural behavior patterns. These tips can help you avoid jet lag when you travel to another time zone.
Sleep well before you fly
What you do prior to your flight influences your well-being later. Your mind and body will cope best if you get a good sleep the night before you fly. Don’t stay up late or carry out behaviors that might ruin your regular sleep routine–this means don’t pack in the wee hours or stay up late chatting about your trip.
Avoid alcohol and coffee
Alcohol messes with your internal rhythm and can upset your system when you travel. Drink too much, and you’re likely to want to sleep, but then be wide awake when you need to be tired. Additionally, caffeine is a stimulant and can lengthen recovery time when jet lag strikes. Refrain from drinking alcohol and coffee before, during, and just after your flight, and you’ll be less prone to jet lag than if you indulge. Make sure you stay hydrated too. Sip plenty of water to stave off fatigue.
Eat to suit the new time zone
You won’t beat jet lag and restore your sleep pattern if you eat meals when your body expects you to consume food. Instead, match mealtimes with the new time zone, even if you have your main meal in the morning. Can’t stomach dining at what feels like the wrong juncture of the day? Just eat a small amount and change your eating pattern a little at a time.
Avoid daytime flights
If possible, take a night flight and avoid daytime travel. Traveling by day isn’t as helpful as night flying if you want to reduce jet lag. The chances are, you’ll be ready to snooze during your flight because the lights will be dim and other passengers are sleepy too. Take an eye mask, pillow, and earplugs to help you sleep without distraction.
Set your watch to match the new time zone
As soon as your flight begins, change your watch to match the time zone of your destination. Otherwise, your jet lag will be worse; you’ll mourn lost sleep whenever you check the time and note lost hours. Feeling upset about not getting your usual sleep quota isn’t exactly the same as jet lag, but your mindset matters. Negativity will make you feel more tired.
If you encounter jet lag, despite following the tips mentioned, take a nap when you reach your destination. A short sleep can give you the energy you need to make it through the day and stop fatigue getting the better of you.
Restore lost sleep
Jet lag can wreck the first few days of your trip away from home if you aren’t careful. So stop time zone sleepiness stealing your vitality. Prepare to be in a different zone before you leave. Fly at night, adjust your watch and mealtimes, and grab a much-needed nap if you’re tired when you arrive at your destination.
