Tips For Preventing Jet Lag

Traveling can be great. You get to explore different places, and even the world. You can see new sights and learn something new. Our only complaint? Jet lag. From feeling exhausted to not sleeping well, it can cramp the moments of any trip. It is disruptive (and in some cases, unhealthy for our bodies). So how can you avoid jet lag? Read on to find out.

1. Prepare for the new time zone

If you know you’ll be crossing a time zone, start shifting your sleep/awake schedule before you hop on the plane. Go to bed a little earlier or later, depending on how many hours you’ll be losing or gaining. This will make the time zone transition easier.

2. Get outside

Recent studies suggest getting natural light after landing on a cross-time zone flight will help stimulate your body to secrete more of the “awake” hormone, so you’ll feel less tired than if you hung out inside.

3. Drink water

Dehydration is a common side effect of flying (largely because of the change in air pressure and because plane air is recycled). The problem? Dehydration can enhance feelings of sluggishness. So drink lots of water before, during and after a flight.

4. Eat lots of small meals

Some of the most compelling research into jet lag suggests by changing your eating patterns from three meals a day to five or six small ones, your body will be able to adapt more easily to a time change. This is largely because your body won’t have an established eating pattern to be disrupted.

5. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks

These diuretics will not only enhance feelings of dehydration, they will also make it harder for your hypothalamus to figure out what time of day it is.

6. Nap

Napping whenever you feel sleepy (even if it’s only for 15 minutes) will give your body the rest it needs to cope with a time change and will give you a burst of energy (probably when you need it most).

7. Remain active

Walk around the plane mid-flight and be sure to explore the city as soon as you check into your hotel. Exercising your body will make it easier to fall asleep at night, and will get your blood flowing (so you’ll have more energy).

Source: www.sheknows.com