It’s not unusual to know that most of us travel, especially by air. We all have our reasons as to why we choose to travel by air. We travel for pleasure, or we travel for work. Whatever the reasons are, there are those unavoidable times when we’d have to fly to another country with different time zones.
When this happens, it becomes largely difficult to deal with the exhaustion from long-haul flights. Not only that, our body clock becomes inexplicably disrupted. When our bodies are used to a routine, it becomes a struggle to get used to the change.
What causes jet lag to happen?
Some individuals are used to the adjustments when it comes to flying into countries with different time zones. However, for others, they are not so lucky.
Our bodies are programmed naturally to follow a certain routine daily during the entire 24-hour period. These activities include sleeping and eating. When we are at different time zones, the natural rhythm of our bodies become utterly disrupted and can create a series of discomfort. This includes feeling extremely fatigued, bowel movement problems, indigestion, loss of appetite, and even concentration issues. Generally, these are the common effects of jet lag. Jet lag can affect people in other ways depending on their physical and mental tolerance.
So, how do we deal with jet lag when we are traveling? Unfortunately, there is no fixed cure for jet lag. The effects of jet lag and how to counter it would depend greatly on age, tolerance to stress as well as state of health.
There are, however, natural tips on how to lessen the effects of jet lag whenever we are traveling. Below are top ten effective ways to counter jet lag and fatigue from traveling.
- Make sure to get quality sleep the night before your flight
Some people usually don’t get enough sleep the night before their scheduled long flight. The usual reason for this is the feeling of excitement or really just wanting to tire themselves out to sleep throughout the flight.
However, that only makes it more challenging to adjust to new time zones because of the last minute changes. Making sure that you get a good sleep a night before will make it easier to deal with jet lag.
- Slow down on your daily schedules days before your flight
If you already know your scheduled long-haul flight, make sure to keep yourself refreshed instead of stressed. If you have a tight schedule at work or at home, try to lessen that schedule especially if there are only a few days left before your flight.
- Do not drink any alcohol before, during and after your flight
Although downing a couple of bottles of alcohol seems like a good idea to sleep it all off during your flight, it’s actually doing more harm than good. When alcohol kicks in at high altitudes, its effects are extreme exhaustion and even leaves you dehydrated.
This, as a result, makes it harder for you to deal with jet lag.
- Instead of sleeping pills, opt for herbal tea
When you rely on sleeping pills during long-haul flights, it’s actually a bad idea. Taking a few sleeping pills won’t do you any good as it only leaves you fuzzy and light-headed.
If you need to get some sleep during your flight, make use of unlimited access to hot water and bring some bags of herbal tea instead.
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- Avoid drinking coffee before your flight
Another beverage to avoid during flights is one that is loaded with caffeine. This includes coffee and energy drinks. The synthetic stimulants in these beverages will only affect your sleeping habits and make it harder to recover from jet lag.
Instead of coffee, drink more water to keep hydrated and lessen the effects of jet lag.
- Avoid flights that arrive in the evening
If you can, try avoiding flights that arrive at night and go for ones that arrive during the daytime. The reason for this is out in the sun makes it easier to stay awake.
- Keep active and do some light exercises
This tip may be harder than most as during holidays we forget about staying active. However, this is important in beating jet lag. Try to squeeze in a couple of moderate exercises in your hotel room or hit the hotel gym for a few hours. You can also do breathing exercises during your flight. This helps you feel a lot lighter after a drop in oxygen levels during the flight.
This helps to improve blood circulation and makes it easier to sleep at night.
- Choose healthy meals during your scheduled eating time
Instead of choosing junk or processed foods, go for healthier options instead. This is just as important as eating during the hours aligning with the new time zone.
It is a good idea to soak up as much sun as you can during your trip. Why? It is because daylight makes us feel a lot better especially after a long and grueling flight.
- Set up your watch to align at your destination
You can do this once you are already on the plane. To get your body and mind aligned, set your watch at the same time where you’re headed. However, don’t go ahead and do this a day before your flight. Chances are, you might miss your flight because of looking at the wrong time.
So, these are health tips you can follow to have a comfortable and pleasing flight to your destination. Whether it’s a holiday or travel for work, you can use these tips to help you beat the effects of exhaustion and jet lag from long-haul flights.
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