7 of the Best Tips to Avoid Jet Lag
We’ve all been there… not being able to contain our excitement before our arrival, but then reaching our destination and feel like we just got hit by a train.
Jet lag is NOT fun. It’s hard because half of you wants to do a million things in the city you just landed in, and the other half can’t even pick up your right foot.
So today, we’re getting to the bottom of jet lag. I’m giving you 7 of the best tips to help you cope.
Here are 7 of the Best Tips to Avoid Jet Lag!
1. Get adequate rest before your trip
This is essential before any flight. If you walk onto your flight sleep deprived, this will only make matters worse. If you have to stay awake on your flight because of your destinations time zone, not having adequate rest will make this extremely difficult. You’ll be nodding off in no time.
Make sure you get multiple nights of good rest before takeoff. Plus, you’ll be away from your comfy bed for a while, so cherish these last few days! We all know the feeling of sleeping in our own bed after a vacation, just think of that feeling before leaving for your trip and you’ll appreciate your bed so much more, and you’ll definitely get some good nights of rest!
2. Stay hydrated
This is key anytime you’re flying. The air circulating the plane is dry. Plus, when you’re on the go, it can be difficult to remember to drink water. It’s so easy to get dehydrated! Make sure you keep a water bottle with you at all times, and if you have to go to the bathroom midflight – don’t feel bad for making people get up and let you out – you gotta do what you gotta do!
Drinking water can also help with digestion. I know many people (myself included) get those lovely digestive issues while traveling… like not pooping for several days (someone had to say it).
Drinking water is a great way to help you stay regular and more comfortable during and after your flight!
If you want more tips for staying regular while traveling, check out my post 17 Ways to Reduce Travel Constipation !!!
3. Adjust your sleep schedule before leaving
This tip is a game changer for me. You’ll be going to your destination much more prepared and with much more energy. It will help you get acclimated to the time zone better, if not already before you arrive. You will be much less tired, and much less jet lagged if you follow this one tip.
If you don’t already have blackout blinds (for travelers or non-travelers) I would buy them right now. I swear by these. You wake up in the morning and it’s still pitch black! These are also great for adjusting sleep schedules – if you have to sleep midday to get ready for your flight, these are a great tool for some shut eye.
4. Sleep at appropriate times (on flight and after arrival)
If you have a night flight but it’s morning at your destination, well, grab that Starbucks and do an all-nighter. This coincides with the last tip, if you already started to adjust your sleep schedule, this shouldn’t be as hard. If you haven’t, do everything in your ability to stay up! Try and sleep during the day before your flight, grab coffee or an energy drink, and throw on a comedy show/movie during your flight. By doing this you will sleep like a baby the following night and decrease your chance of jet lag on your trip.
Of course if you’re absolutely miserable and in need of a nap when you reach your destination, give your body what it needs! It could even be a quick 30-minute power nap and you’ll be on your way.
5. Melatonin
Melatonin may just be your best friend. On my way to Iceland, I took some and was out in approximately 30 seconds! Contrary to before, you may need to sleep during your daytime flight in order to adjust your schedule. In this case, taking some melatonin would be a great idea.
I don’t know about you, but I find it very difficult to sleep on flights. Something about not being horizontal laying down just doesn’t work for me. Next invention: planes with seats that recline all the way馃槅 or I just dream about getting a private jet, lol!
Anyways, before that private jet dream becomes a reality for both of us, we’re just going to take some melatonin and it’ll knock us out.
6. Use caffeine at the right times
If you need to stay awake, caffeine is a great idea, but don’t drink it too close to nighttime! It can easily disrupt your circadian rhythm. Also, caffeine can make you more dehydrated, so make sure you’re downing water throughout the day if you choose to grab that cup of coffee.
Of course, grabbing an energy drink right before your nighttime flight is probably not the best decision. Just be conscious of when you’re putting caffeine into your body and when you are going to sleep!
7. Light Exposure
When you change time zones, your exposure to light changes – this can mess with your internal clock. When you arrive at your destination, get outside in the sun! This wakes your body up and allows you to get adapted to your new time zone.
Plus who doesn’t love a little morning walk exploring a new city? It’s such a great idea to wake your body up, get some movement in, and learn more about the city you’re in!
I hope these tips help you on your next travel adventure!
Thanks for reading 7 of the Best Tips to Avoid Jet Lag!
Feel free to reach out for any comments or questions relating to jet lag馃槉or if you want to talk about anything in general! See you next time travel fam!
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[…] of your time from the moment you land to the moment you leave. Luckily, I wrote a blog post called 7 of the Best Tips to Avoid Jet Lag to help you finally crush jet lag for good! Go check it […]
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