Tips To Kick Jet Lag
Posted on 10 August 2017
The only downside to travelling is jet lag, but there are ways to minimize the time it takes for you to adjust to a new time zone. Learn how to prevent jet lag with these 14 tips, for before, during and after the flight.
1. Relax your schedule
Knowing how to prepare for a long-haul flight can mean you start your holiday feeling fresh, rather than fatigued. If you're someone with a rigid schedule at home, try to relax that schedule during the days before your flight.
2. Get a good night's sleep before you fly
People often end up having slept for just a few hours before a long flight - whether it's due to pre-holiday excitement or a deliberate attempt to tire yourself out so that you'll sleep through the flight. Big mistake. Last minute changes to your routine will only make it harder to adjust to new time zones, and getting a good night's sleep before your flight will leave you better equipped to cope with jet lag.
3. Avoid arriving at night
If possible, opt for a flight which arrives in daylight. This will make it easier to stay awake - you'll be much more tempted to get out and explore if the sun's shining and you've got a full day ahead of you.
4. Be plane savvy
A350s and A380s are two of the best planes for anyone wondering how to beat jet lag. Hi-tech humidification systems help the air retain moisture and LED lighting systems capable of creating 16.7 million shades of colour simulate natural phases of the day, helping stave off jet lag. Another perk is an air purification system which renews the air every two minutes.
5. Split up the trip
Try and build in a stopover, so your body has more time to adapt to the new routine. This can also slash the price of your airfare.
6. Avoid the bar
Tempting though it is to kick off your holiday with a pre-flight gin and tonic, the effects of alcohol at altitude will increase tiredness and cause dehydration.
7. Sleeping pills are a no no
Relying on sleeping pills for long-haul flights is a bad idea. They're not worth it. They'll do nothing to assist your recovery from jet lag and will just leave you feeling fuzzy when you land. If you're in need of some shut-eye, do it the natural way.
8. Say goodbye to coffee
Avoid caffeine-heavy beverages such as coffee, cola and energy drinks. These artificial stimulants will affect your ability to sleep and increase jet lag recovery time. Your body functions best when it's hydrated, so drinking lots of water is a great way to offset the effects of jet lag.
9. Set your watch
When you get on the plane, set your watch to the time of your destination to get yourself psychologically aligned. A warning: don't get clever and do this beforehand, unless you want to end up with the world's most ridiculous excuse for missing your flight.
10. Keep on movin'
Move around regularly and do exercises to keep the blood flowing. And if you've ever wondered how to avoid DVT, you should know that good circulation is key. Investing in a pair of flight socks will minimise the risk of DVT and improve circulation.
11. Eat right
Start eating three meals a day in line with the new time zone, even if that means cornflakes at 11pm.
12. Hunt for the sun
Get as much daylight as you can. Daylight makes you feel better. Unless you've been up all night. Which is never, ever a good idea before a long flight.
13. Get some exercise
Do some exercise to boost your endorphins and stretch out the kinks which develop on long haul flights.
14. Catch up on sleep
Try to get as much sleep as you normally would in a 24-hour period – make up any shortfall with a (short) snooze on the day of arrival if necessary.
Read the full original article on Skyscanner
So you've worked out how to beat the jet lag and you're ready to explore the world. Here are some other tips to help you get the most out of your holiday: