Leaving Jet Lag Behind

Leaving on a jet plane and plan to cross a few time zones? Whether it is a business trip or vacation, chances are that at some point you have or will suffer a bout of jet lag. Some people are not affected by this disruptive change in their natural biological rhythms. However, they are in the minority. It can take several days for your body to adjust to the new time zone you are in … sometimes, right about the time when you have to fly back home! However, with a little preparation and planning, you can minimize or even eliminate jet lag.

Some jet lag symptoms that you would be combating include trouble sleeping, confusion, exhaustion, swelling of your extremities and even digestion problems and headaches. Travel experts say that if you travel from west to east, the jet lag problem is quite exacerbated. Therefore, you probably could benefit from some handy tips to leave jet lag behind.

1. Check you watch as soon as you take off. By resetting your watch for your destination time, you will adjust a bit more quickly than waiting until you land.

2. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water. By drinking water before your flight as well as during and after, you can combat the slightly arid conditions of the airplane. Also avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Dehydration contributes to disorientation, a common symptom of jet lag.

3. Start preparing for your time zone change several days in advance if possible. Go to bed at the times when you would be going to bed at your destination. By slowly adjusting your schedule, the time difference won't affect you as much.

4. If you can sleep on the plane, do it. Ask for headphones or bring your own sleep mask or ear plugs to help you get some rest. This is especially helpful if you are traveling at a time when it is night at your destination.

5. Keep moving. Sometimes sitting in one place too long can actually wear on the body. Get a little exercise by walking the airplane cabin. Try some stretching exercises. This will keep oxygen flowing through your body and stimulate circulation. This is especially smart to do during those times traveling when it is day time at your destination.

6. A healthy balanced, but light diet during your travel time is the best bet. You do not want to be uncomfortable from eating heavy foods or something that is likely to cause stomach upset. Physical ailments make jet lag worse.

While you may not be able to combat jet lag one hundred percent, you can make great strides in feeling somewhat rested and ready to tackle visiting your destination. Other treatments that may or may not help include taking melatonin or herbal remedies aimed at jet lag sufferers. They don't work for everyone, but if you don't travel well, these alternative remedies may be helpful to you. One final thought … if you can put off the more "strenuous" visiting or sightseeing for a few days into your visit, you will be more rested and ready to enjoy what you traveled there to see in the first place.

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