Avoiding Jet Lag When Moving Through Time Zones
You may know this feeling all too well – you’ve waited long and patiently to go on vacation, only to feel sleepy, tired and grouchy after stepping off the plane. And it’s also common to get embarrassed at an important business conference after you’ve come several miles across the sea and fallen asleep due to an extreme case of jet lag.
Whether we like it or not, jet lag is a part of traveling to a different time zone. An average person suffering from jet lag would feel extremely exhausted, tense and not quite know what time it is. Here are some ways that can help you fight the effects of jet lag following travel.
Don’t drink alcohol before or during the flight. Alcohol adds to the dehydration and fatigue.
Drink a significant amount of water during the flight and upon landing. Unlike alcohol, water does the exact opposite – it reduces dehydration and muscle fatigue.
This may be a bit tricky for some, but you will need to be familiar with the time zone you’re flying to so you can set your sleeping schedule accordingly to the time zone of your destination. So let us say it is night time in the destination city, then you will need to sleep even if it is still in the early afternoon in the city of origin.
While sleeping on the plane, sleep as long as possible to create a “nighttime” sleep experience. You may need to use earplugs to shut out the sound and eye covers to simulate darkness.
Whenever possible, maintain your feet at an elevated position while on the flight.
Take a shower once you reach your hotel to re-energize your body. Then, adhere to the local time and try to avoid napping.
You can also stay up late in the evening on the first night there. If your schedule is one with a lot of late night engagements, try staying up past midnight on the first night.
The second day is the day of follow through, therefore making it more difficult than the rest. It is crucial to keep a strict schedule. To make sure you are well-prepared for the second day, ask for a wake-up call or set your alarm accordingly.
Keep your muscles relaxed and your skin healthy by visiting a spa if you have to.
The final tip would be to keep your body clock in sync with the new time zone by spending about an hour or so basking in sunlight and/or fresh air.
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