Jet lag is a cruel trick. You plan your trip perfectly for months, only to arrive at your favourite destination with nagging weariness, tiredness, insomnia, and oh-so-fun stomach problems. Still, a couple of jet lag hacks might help you out. There are attractions to view, meals to eat, and places to visit. Except that the moment you walk off the plane, a wave of exhaustion floods over you.
You’re dizzy, exhausted, and tired. It’s the middle of the day, but all you want to do is sleep. The truth dawns on you: you’re jet-lagged. To avoid these issues when travelling, read this blog; we will give you some Jet lag hacks to make your journey more comfortable.
What Is Jet Lag?
If you travel from one state to another, you may not feel jetlagged. Jet lag happens only when you travel swiftly between two or more time zones, causing your biological clock to become out of sync. The more time zones you go through, the worse you might feel. Though temporary, jet lag symptoms can be uncomfortable and may take many days to resolve, especially if flying internationally.
Daytime drowsiness, irritability, headaches, loss of appetite, and sleep difficulties are among the symptoms. By going east rather than west, jet lag symptoms are more acute. To minimize the impact of jet lag, here are some Jet lag hacks to consider before and during your trip.
Hacks for Avoiding Jet Lag
If you’re flying across multiple time zones, eliminating jet lag is out of the question. But, there are several steps you may take to lessen the impact of jet lag and feel less jet lagged when traveling. Here are some Jet lag hacks to consider before and during your trip:
Choose the Right Flight
Jet lag hacks start with packing some in-flight necessities in your carry-on to ensure a more restful journey. Bringing throw blankets to keep you warm and a memory foam pillow to support your neck can make a significant difference in getting a good night’s sleep while traveling. While airlines typically provide blankets and pillows, they may not be the most comfortable or cleanest option.
Opting for your faux fur blanket and a small memory foam pillow can provide maximum comfort and hygiene during your flight. Consider investing in a compressible Puffy Pillow with a breathable bamboo rayon cover, which is an excellent choice, especially if you’re traveling light. These cozy in-flight essentials can help you relax and get some much-needed rest on your journey, making it easier to combat jet lag and arrive refreshed at your destination.
Pack some in-flight essentials.
Jet lag hacks start with packing some in-flight necessities in your carry-on to ensure a more restful journey. Bringing throw blankets to keep you warm and a memory foam pillow to support your neck can make a significant difference in getting a good night’s sleep while traveling.
While airlines typically provide blankets and pillows, they may not be the most comfortable or cleanest option. Opting for your faux fur blanket and a small memory foam pillow can provide maximum comfort and hygiene during your flight. Consider investing in a compressible Puffy Pillow with a breathable bamboo rayon cover, which is an excellent choice, especially if you’re traveling light.
These cozy in-flight essentials can help you relax and get some much-needed rest on your journey, making it easier to combat jet lag and arrive refreshed at your destination. Remember to choose a flight in the early evening to have more time to adjust to the new time zone. With these jet lag hacks, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your travels without the overwhelming effects of jet lag.
Reset Your Schedule Before Arrival
Jet lag hacks can make a significant difference when traveling to places with vastly different time zones. Adjusting to the new time zone can be challenging, especially when your body’s internal clock tells you it’s bedtime while it’s still daylight in your destination in Asia.
One helpful tip to combat jet lag is not just resetting your watch when the captain announces the flight but preparing your body for the time change beforehand. If you know you’ll be traveling across several time zones, consider gradually shifting your entire schedule and creating a healthy sleep routine a few days before your trip.
Slowly adjusting your sleep and wake times can help your body adapt more smoothly to the new time zone, making it easier to stay alert and active during the day and get a restful night’s sleep when it’s nighttime at your destination. By proactively preparing for the time difference, you can minimize the effects of jet lag and make the most out of your travel experience. Taking these jet lag hacks into account will help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the new adventure.
Stay Hydrated
Jet lag hacks include the simple yet powerful practice of staying hydrated. Water plays a vital role in various aspects of our well-being, from weight loss to clear skin, and it also has a significant impact on how we experience jet lag.
During long flights, the low humidity in the cabin can lead to dehydration, which can worsen the effects of jet lag. To combat this, keeping yourself hydrated throughout the journey is essential. Consider bringing an empty water bottle through security and filling it up before boarding the plane. Having a water bottle on hand will make it easier to stay hydrated during the flight, even if the airline provides limited drink services.
While it might be tempting to indulge in a glass of wine, soda, or coffee during the flight, these beverages can dehydrate. To reduce the risk of dehydration and its impact on jet lag, it’s best to consume these drinks in moderation or opt for water instead.
By prioritizing hydration, you can mitigate the effects of jet lag and arrive at your destination feeling more energized and ready to enjoy your travel experience. So, remember to make water your best friend while flying and incorporate this simple yet effective jet lag hack into your travel routine.
Try a Stopover
When traveling through several time zones quickly, jet lag is more severe. Choose a route with a stopover and spend the night if time permits. This will allow you to sleep in a real bed instead of being cooped up in an airplane for endless hours. You’ll not only experience less jet lag as your body adjusts to a new routine, but you’ll also get to explore a new city.
Be patient
Jet lag hacks can be as simple as choosing a route with a stopover when traveling through multiple time zones. Consider breaking up your journey and spending the night in a layover city if your itinerary allows it. This way, you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep in a real bed instead of being confined to an airplane for endless hours.
By allowing yourself to rest and adjust to the new time zone in a comfortable setting, you can significantly reduce the severity of jet lag. Spending a night in a layover city also provides a unique opportunity to explore a new destination, making your travel experience even more enjoyable and fulfilling.
So, the next time you plan a trip across different time zones, consider incorporating this jet lag hack into your travel arrangements. A well-timed stopover can make a difference in how your body adapts to the time change, ensuring a smoother and more pleasant travel experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, jet lag is a common challenge that many travelers face when crossing multiple time zones. The symptoms of jet lag can include fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and digestive problems, among others. However, several Jet lag hacks can help reduce the effects of jet lag, such as adjusting your sleep schedule, staying hydrated, getting some sunlight, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, taking a nap, using sleep aids, and exercising regularly.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. By being patient with yourself and giving your body time to adjust to the new time zone, you can help reduce the impact of jet lag and enjoy your travels to the fullest.