After years of traveling – I still find it easier to adjust to the time difference at the beginning of a trip and harder to adjust when arriving back home. I chalk it up to the excitement of the adventure that awaits at the start of a trip! From my first time overseas when I was 21; I’ve gathered a few tips of how to beat jet lag along the way:
1. Naps
This is my #1 tip – no matter what time you arrive at your destination, don’t take a nap! Just don’t do it… I know how tempting it is. 🙂 If your hotel room isn’t ready yet – drop off the bags and get acclimated to your surroundings. If your room is available – refresh after your long travel day and then leave the hotel room, so you aren’t tempted to jump into the bed that’s within your site! I know some travel experts recommend a short nap, but IMHO it’s much better to power through and go to bed early. On my first trip abroad I made the massive mistake of taking a few hour nap when I arrived and I don’t think I slept that first night – lesson learned!
2. Sunshine
Upon arriving at your destination – the first thing I suggest you do is go outside and breathe in the fresh air. Sunlight will help in the reset of your sleep-wake cycle. I also find it easier to adjust when traveling in the months with more daylight. On one of my trips to Amsterdam in December (with the sun setting at 4pm) – it took me so much longer to get my body on the correct time zone.
3. Food/Drink
If you arrive in your new time zone in the morning or afternoon, I recommend you fuel up with your caffeinated drink of choice to get through the first day. Also, keep hydrated by drinking lots of water. As far as meal times, I suggest you get on the local schedule right away (smaller meals may be more helpful the first day).
4. Exercise
After an extended travel day and checking into my hotel – the first thing I do is go for a walk,as it feels good to stretch after a long flight. I also believe exercise helps to combat jet lag by moving our body and breaking a sweat when possible. It also keeps you awake as you explore a new area!
5. Melatonin
I’m not a physician, but I also take melatonin (easily purchased over the counter) the first few evenings of my trip an hour or so before going to bed. I really feel it helps and even if it’s only a placebo effect – I’ll take it!
Hopefully by following these tips you’ll minimize your effects of jet lag!
Until the next adventure – bon voyage
Kris
