Traveling through time zones can often leave travelers tired, groggy and turned around due to jet lag. Here are five tips to help you combat jet lag.
Photo of Sleeping on a Plane © winn*
Jet lag, according to Merriam-Webster.com, is:
“a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and probably results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body.”
If you’ve ever felt jet lag, you’ll know exactly how bad it can make you feel. Here are five tips to help combat jet lag when traveling.
By reducing the effects of jet lag, you can make a smoother transition into your travels and have more time to enjoy the sights!
1. Set Your Watch to Local Time
The first thing to do is to set your watch or clock to the local time of your destination. It’s a good idea to do this as soon as you get on the airplane or however you’re traveling. Once you set your watch to the local time, think of yourself as on that time. This will help you reset your body’s clock before you even take off.
2. Hydrate
Drinking a lot of water while traveling helps your body to stay hydrated. Hydration is important for your body to be able regulate itself. It’s also good to avoid alcohol and caffeine as these will disrupt sleep and dehydrate the body.
3. Sleep
Make sure to get some rest on the plane (or on whatever mode of transportation you’re using). It will be a lot easier to transition into the new time zone and avoid jet lag by arriving rested.
4. Sunlight
Try and get as much sunlight as you can once you arrive. Sunlight helps your body reset its inner clock to your work with the local time.
5. Wait to go to Bed
No matter how tired you may be, wait as long as you can to go to bed once you arrive (if you arrive in the day time). This will help your body to get onto the proper sleep/wake cycle and reduce the length of time you may experience jet lag.
