Conquering the Time Zone Sickness: Avoid Jet Lag

Most of us have heard of jet lag, and those who travel have experienced this unpleasant sickness. Anyone who flies through multiple time zones falls prey to this confusion which plays tricks on your body. Setting back your wrist and phone clock is easy, doing the same for your body’s internal clock? Not so much. When you’re accustomed to doing certain things such as eating and sleeping at a particular time and suddenly that routine is upset, your body has a hard time adjusting. With these tips you can keep most of the unpleasant symptoms of jet lag at bay. We want to avoid jet lag altogether but mostly that’s just not possible.
 

Try to Adjust Your Internal Clock Beforehand:

A week or at least four days beforehand, try adjusting to the time zone of the place you’re going to. Try eating, sleeping and doing activities at times you would do them at your destination. Of course this can only happen if you’ve got days off, like during the summer. But this is one of the best ways to avoid jetlag.
 

Hydration:

This is nothing new but it’s very important. Drink plenty of water while in the air. Also in periodic intervals sprinkle your face with water. This will keep you comfortable in the dry air of the cabin. Also try to stay away from alcoholic drinks, or at least limit their intake. You might be tempted because of the complimentary drinks on offer but try to restrain your consumption. The dry air aforementioned will dehydrate you and alcohol tends to cause dehydration much faster. And eventually this will increase the worst of the jetlag later. Water is your friend, alcohol is not.
 

Try For Overnight Flights:

You will have your dinner at the regular time and you’ll probably fall asleep during the flight (just be sure not to nap during the day). Now depending on the number of time zones you cross and the duration of the flight, you’ll arrive at your destination during the afternoon or the morning making it easier for you to mimic your normal routine. And reset your clock.
 

The Inflight Nap:

Since you might reach in the morning, a good way to ensure you’ll stay awake upon reaching your destination (and hence avoid jetlag) is to nap a little during your flight. Napping restores some of your energy and you may not feel the need to hop into your bed immediately upon arrival.
 

Don’t Immediately Sleep:

When you arrive at your hotel you might be tempted just to flop down on the bed and slip into a deep slumber. Don’t. This will mess up your timings worse than anything. Instead will yourself to stay awake until its night and then sleep at the proper time. This will help you adjust to the new time zone very quickly.