13 Tips on How to Prevent Jet Lag

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When you hop from one time zone to another you will see that your biological clock gets out of sync with your destination; causing you a symptom known as jet lag.

Generally, jet lag’s effects are stronger when you travel due east, but the extent of its effect depends on the number of time zones crossed rather than the length of the flight.

As a result, you feel some disorientation, disturbed sleep, irritation, lack of concentration, dizziness, and even general depression. These symptoms are caused by the body as it tries to adjust to its new time.

Since you don’t want to waste any time on your trip feeling beat down by these symptoms, here are some of the best tips that can help you prevent jet lag.

PREVENT JET LAG BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT

1. Select the best flight

Whether you’re going to Dhermi, Albania, or Cozumel, Mexico, try selecting flights with fewer or no layovers. Changing cabin pressure repeatedly exacerbates your jet lag.

2. Adjust your meal times

If possible, eat your meals according to the times of your destination. It might be a bit excessive when there are many time-zones between your home and your destination, but it might be worth it since it helps reduce stomach stress when you arrive at your destination.

3. Adjust your diet

Implement a high-protein, low-carb, low-calorie meals, containing limited amounts of sodium and fat. The protein provides energy, while the low amount of calories and carbs makes you feel less sluggish.

4. Eat meals you will probably eat at your destination

You can plan ahead and start eating different types of food found at your destination, which will help reduce the shock of new spices when you arrive. This will help keep the stomachaches that are often related to jet lag to a minimum.

5. Get plenty of rest

Try to have a peaceful and restful night. Don’t go out partying the night before. If you have a farewell party, refrain from drinking too much alcohol. The last thing you want is to be hung over on the airplane.

If possible, adjust your sleeping patterns to your destination time beforehand.  It will pay off when you feel energetic upon arrival.

PREVENT JET LAG DURING THE FLIGHT

6. Adjust your watch

Set your watch to your destination time as soon as you board the plane.  It will help you get used to the new time zone quicker.

7. Drink a lot of water

One of the most effective ways to reduce jet lag is to stay hydrated.  Don’t consume any alcohol, as these tend to dehydrate you. Coffee should also be avoided, you want to be able to sleep and rest during your flight.

Ok, ok, have one beer or cup of coffee, but keep it to a minimum and drink more water to dilute its effect.  Just be ready to make lots of trips to the restroom.

8. Stretch during the flight

Every now and then get up of your seat and stretch your legs, arms, back, and neck.  Even while seated try doing some simple yoga stretching, these moves will help improve circulation.  Here is a video with some easy moves you can perform during your flight.

9. Stay relaxed during your flight

Enjoy the in-flight entertainment, read a book, chat with your neighbor, etc.  This will help you keep a relaxed mindset that will help you adjust better to your new time setting.

10. Get some sleep during the flight

This probably is one of the most important factors to reduce your jet lag.  The No. 1 complaint of jet lag sufferers is fatigue at odd hours of the day, due to the change of time and lack of rest.

If sleeping turns out to be an impossible task for you, try some homeopathic products to stimulate your sleep, but try not to resort to sleeping pills.

PREVENT JET LAG AFTER THE FLIGHT

11. Don’t go straight to sleep

You will be tired and your body will naturally want to rest at odd times during the day.  Do your best to resist that urge.  Stay active and awake until your destination’s bedtime.

This will help you adjust your body clock to your new destination even quicker.  If it is too hard for you to stay awake, then just take a power nap, but don’t give in to deep sleep.

12. Take some sunlight

Staying outdoors can help you increase your alertness, which in turn will keep you active.  Don’t use sunglasses, the brightest your visual image the better.

If it’s cloudy or raining in your destination, stay in places with bright lights, it as a similar effect to the natural light.  Try walking and exercising, this will help your clock adjust to its new time.

13. Keep a good energy level

Replenish your system with several vitamin supplements and food. Eat fruits and vegetables to keep a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Taking extra Vitamin C will help you stay active and reduce your jet lag.

At first, prevent eating huge meals; these will make you feel tired and sleepy. Instead, eat small, light meals more often.

As you can see, jet lag is preventable, so you can follow these tips to counteract its negative effects on your first few days at your destination.

Has this happened to you? How do you conquer jet lag?