Travel Tips: Jet Lag

 

Photo by Donald Merrill on Unsplash

Tips for Easing (and Avoiding) Jet Lag

Over the years, we’ve done some traveling across time zones, and if there’s one thing that can really take the fun out of a trip, it’s jet lag. It seems that I suffer more from jet lag than John.  I spend the first few days feeling like a zombie - totally wiped out, disoriented, digestive issues, and unable to sleep (even though I'm totally exhausted.) 

The jet lag can persist for days, sometimes, making it really difficult to get into the groove of travel.  At times I've felt like I've finally adjusted when it's time to board our flight home. 

What is Jet Lag?

Jet lag happens when your body is still running on one time zone, but you’ve suddenly arrived in another. Your circadian rhythm - which is what tells you to feel awake or feel sleepy - is controlled by light.  After a long flight across several time zones, and your internal clock hasn’t had time to catch up. It can leave you feeling some physiological symptoms but it will pass once your body settles into the new routine.

Common Symptoms of Jet Lag

• sleep issues and disruptions
• feeling of exhaustion in the middle of the day
• trouble with concentration
• digestive issues
• irritability

Tips to Help Combat Jet Lag

Start adjusting before you leave

If we know we’re heading somewhere with a big time difference, we try to start adjusting our schedule a few days before we go.

It doesn't have to be a big adjustment, just going to bed a little earlier or staying up a bit later, depending on where we’re headed. Even a small shift seems to help.

Stay hydrated

This one is simple, but it makes a difference.

We try to drink plenty of water before and during the flight. Airplane cabins can be very dry, and it’s easy to get dehydrated without even realizing it.

We’ve found that staying hydrated helps us feel a little more like ourselves when we arrive.

Get some rest on the flight (if you can)

This one isn’t always easy.  I have a hard time sleeping on an airplane.

If it’s an overnight flight, try to sleep for at least a few hours. Even a short nap can help take the edge off when you arrive.

Get outside as soon as you can

Once we arrive, one of the first things we try to do is get outside.

Fresh air and daylight seem to help reset our internal clock a little faster. Even just going for a walk can make a big difference.

Try to stay on local time

This is probably the hardest one, but also the most important.

We try to switch to the local time as soon as we arrive, even if we’re tired. That might mean staying up a little longer than we’d like or getting up earlier than usual.

It’s not always easy in the moment, but it does help us adjust more quickly.

Take it easy on the first day

We’ve learned not to plan too much for that first day.

A walk, a light meal, maybe a bit of exploring, but nothing too demanding. Giving ourselves a bit of time to ease into things makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

What we’ve learned

Jet lag might not be completely avoidable, but it can definitely be managed.

For us, it really comes down to a few simple things - staying hydrated, getting some rest, and giving ourselves time to settle in when we arrive.

Travel days can be long, and it’s okay to take things a little slower at the start.

Over time, we’ve found that these small habits make a big difference.

We arrive feeling a little more rested, a little more in sync, and much more ready to enjoy wherever we’ve landed.