Exploring new places is exciting, but jet lag from travel can put a damper on a trip before you even land. We’re sharing tried and true advice to prevent jet lag from happening, or recover from it if it does.
Adjust your clock before you leave
If you’re traveling to a different time zone, try going to sleep and waking up earlier several days prior to an eastward trip and later for a westward trip. Be sure to change the time zone on your phone as soon as you board the plane.
Fly at night
You’re more likely to sleep on an overnight flight and will arrive at your destination in the morning or afternoon, which is the best way to replicate your normal schedule. Be sure to stay up until 10 p.m. local time and limit napping to the early afternoon, no longer than two hours.
If you’re not traveling far, however, opt for an early morning flight.
Avoid alcohol
Such a downer, but it’s true! Avoiding alcohol, especially during your flight, not only saves you money, it reduces jet lag. One drink in the air is equivalent to two or three on the ground due to changes in altitude and dehydrating cabin air. Instead, drink plenty of water for the same reason.
Spritz up
Bring a spritzer of essential oils and water or a carrier oil to ease the effects of jet lag. Opt for lavender during overnight flights, geranium or lemongrass to reset your biological clock, and citrus oils such as grapefruit or bergamot to perk you up when you land. Learn more here.
Be sure to bring a spritzer less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to keep the TSA happy.
Soak up the sun
Sunlight is a mood booster but it also helps your body reset its internal clock to coincide with local time. Spend some time outside as soon as you land for maximum benefits.
Follow these tips from Scientific American on when to avoid and enjoy sunlight depending on where you’re flying.
What are your tips for alleviating jet lag? We’d love to know! Share your advice in the comments below.
Meet SNEAKERS:
Meg is a dreamer, entrepreneur, and homesteader based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She loves her cats, feasting, and road trips in her green VW Bug.
Originally published at www.getsneak.com.
