You don’t feel jet lag sink in as the time zones fly by, but it’s there. It starts as soon as the airplane doors close and the recycled air fills the cabin. It builds as your body clock begins to disagree more and more with your destination’s time. And it strikes about one hour after you’ve landed, right when you’re surrounded by a wonderful new city to explore, but can’t muster the strength to do so.
You absolutely cannot avoid jet lag, but you can reduce its effect on you and your vacation if you follow these SIMPLE 5 STEPS:
Sleep Well to Travel Well
To get a step ahead of jet lag, first get a good night’s sleep before your flight. Go to bed nice and early and sober! If you stay up late the night before, as many of us do, the next day your body will be more susceptible to jet lag’s nasty side.
Stay Hydrated During the Flight
Watching what you drink continues during the flight, as you should stay away from alcohol and caffeine. Easier said that done sometimes, but the effects are noticeable. Instead, aim for plenty of water with occasional fruit juices to fight the dehydrating effects of long flights. Don’t be afraid to ding that flight attendant buzzer and ask for another bottle of water. Without caffeine in your system, it will be easier to sleep as much as you can during the flight. The more hydrated; better-rested your body is, the better it will handle jet lag.
Stretch Often
To keep your body in peak condition while seated for hours in a pressurized cabin, you’ll need to stretch. Stretch your toes and your ankles. Reach your hands to the ceiling and roll your shoulders. Get up and stretch your legs. All of these actions keep your blood flowing.
Change All Your Clocks
During the flight, you will be informed of the local time at your final destination. Your mobile device will automatically sync to the time of your destination. Change your watch and your mind to acclimate to this time zone.
Soak In the New Environment
Your goal on the first day of your arrival is to stay awake until an early, local bedtime. You’ll only delay jet lag by taking a 3-hour nap in the middle of the day.
This is YOUR holiday, so take care of yourself to enjoy it to the fullest. Following these simple measures will ensure your vacation will be off to a GRAND beginning – BON VOYAGE!
