Although jet lag is a common problem experienced by most frequent travelers, it is a major medical concern that can have lasting negative effects on your mental and physical health. Jet lag occurs when our bodies get desynchronized due to a change in time zones and lack of sleep. The best way to fight jet lag is by quickly giving your body the sleep and sunlight it needs to adjust to the new timezone. Whether you’re headed to the beach for a family vacation or flying to Denver to visit ThriveMD, jet lag can leave you feeling exhausted and can ruin your trip. Many people try to sleep on their flights to allow their bodies to adjust to a sleep schedule, or try to stay awake to let their bodies adjust to the local time of their destination. Here are 3 additional tips you can try to avoid jet lag and make the most of your upcoming trip.
Plan Travel Times Wisely
One way to beat jet lag is by planning your trip in a way that allows you to get sleep at the times appropriate for the time zone you are entering. If possible, plan to arrive at your destination in the evening. That way, you can get a good night’s rest and wake up refreshed when the sun rises like normal.
Hydrate
One of the leading causes of severe jet lag is dehydration. The elevation of airplanes leads to feelings of dehydration and can have negative health consequences that many people don’t even realize. To avoid becoming severely dehydrated, try to drink water often during your flight. If it’s a long flight, aim for a full 32 ounces of water (about 3 regular-sized water bottles).
Eat on Schedule
Eating when traveling can be chaotic, especially when you are limited to the food available at the airport or on the plane. Food that you get at the airport is often bad for you as it is often highly processed and full of carbs. Eating poorly can make you feel worse when coupled with little sleep and dehydration. To avoid feeling bad after eating and to stay on schedule with meals, try to avoid food onboard the plane. Instead, eat a big breakfast or lunch before arriving at the airport, then plan to eat a large dinner when you land. This is a proven way to reduce the effects of jet lag by keeping your body on schedule.
Don’t let jet lag ruin your upcoming trip! Follow these tips to keep your body on a schedule and make the most of your time away.
