If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ve probably had to contend with jet lag. Jet lag occurs as a result of changing time zone, and it can make life very difficult if you can’t adapt quickly. If you travel on a regular basis for work or you’re keen to make the most of every minute of every vacation, nothing is more important than a good night’s sleep. Here are some top tips to help you overcome jet lag because as we all know, sleep matters.
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Take advantage of downtime on your flight
Whether you’re flying long haul or you’ve got a few hours to kill, it pays to take advantage of the opportunity to catch some shut-eye and relax. Try not to spend the entire flight watching films, reading or catching up with work. Even if you can get an hour or so of sleep, this will help you to recharge your batteries, and hopefully, enable you to stay up for longer when you reach your destination.
Adjusting to local time
When you land in a different country, it’s best to try and adapt to the new time zone as quickly as possible. If you would normally already be in bed, but it’s only the afternoon in your new destination, try and stay awake until the evening. This way, you can adjust your body clock, and you should feel tired without oversleeping the next day. It’s useful to have a travel clock with you so that you can set an alarm. If you get up at a similar time each day, you should find that you get used to your new routine within days. If you’re really struggling during the day, take a short nap, but don’t sleep for hours.
Taking it easy
If you’re traveling for business, it’s always a good idea to give yourself a day off or at least a shorter day on the first day after your flight. This will enable you to recover and rest before you’re required to do anything strenuous.
Watch your diet
When you’re struggling to keep your eyes open, it can be tempting to reach for sugary treats or order a super-sized coffee, but try and resist. A caffeine or sugar fix will give you a short-term lift, but it will also make it difficult for you to get to sleep when you get into bed. It’s particularly important to avoid caffeine in the evenings.
Keep yourself busy
If you’re sitting in a hotel room watching movies or reading a book, you’re likely to feel tired. If your energy levels are dipping, try and keep busy, at least for a few more hours. Go to the gym and do a workout, go for a swim or take yourself on a mini tour of the city. Distractions can make you feel less sleepy, and fresh air can help to revive your body and mind.
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Do you dread traveling because of jet lag? Does it seem to take you ages to recover after flying to a different country? If so, hopefully, this guide will come in handy.
