No matter if you’re traveling for business or pleasure: the jet lag menace is always going to be there. You know how it is. So many plans scheduled from the moment your plane finally lands…only to be overwhelmed by the sudden urge of taking a really long nap! Yes, jet lag can definitely ruin a vacation or business trip if not overcome. Here are a few tips that will help you to get no jet lag!
Start Your Preparations Early
If you already know that your international flights are taking you to a different time zone, then you’ll want to start preparing for that eventuality before leaving home. Go to bed early, even before the sun sets. Sure, it may seem odd at first, but your body will be thank you the moment you arrive at your destination!
You’ll want to start at least a week before you plan on leaving. If you really want to make sure you’re ready for the new time zone, then you might want to start preparing even two weeks early. Begin by going to bed earlier by an hour each day. Once you have matched your sleeping schedule with those used in the time zone you’re flying to, you’ll be ready to start off your vacation or business trip on the right foot!
Set Your Watch Accordingly
It’s also not a bad idea to set your watches and clocks to the time zone you’re visiting. Not only can this help you prepare by sleeping earlier, but also orienting yourself better. Any time you check the time, you’ll be more and more familiar with the new time zone rather than your own.
Bring Enough Entertainment With You
In order to overcome jet lag, you might need to remain awake longer than you normally would. The best way to keep yourself awake? Stay entertained! This might mean ensuring that your flight offers in-flight movies, TV shows, or games. An even better option is, of course, to bring your own entertainment.
Books can be useful as long as they don’t make you too tired. Some people may find that the mental stimulation required to read in-flight can make them feel drowsy. You may need a more passive form of entertainment that doesn’t place as much of a strain on your brain, like watching movies or listening to music. When you’re entertained, staying awake is easier. And once you arrive at your destination, you’ll be ready to go to sleep exactly when the locals do!
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Drink Lots of Water
Whenever you’re sleepy, it may be tempting to drink coffee to stay awake. Resist this impulse. Coffee may be able to keep you alert for a few hours, but it will eventually make your energy levels drop. You may not be able to resist the urge to sleep then. Coffee will also likely make you want to use the restroom. Unless you’re comfortable using airplane toilets, this is another reason to maybe avoid caffeine for a while.
Alcohol is another drink to avoid. While some airlines may offer small alcoholic drinks, you shouldn’t accept any. Alcohol can make you sleepy and also dehydrate you, making you feel ill when you arrive at your destination.
It’s way better to drink water instead. Not only it does keep you hydrated, but maintains your energy levels up and makes you more aware of your surroundings.
Embrace Layovers!
Few people enjoy layovers. It’s always better to reach our destination as soon as possible, especially if you expect a really long flight after booking some cheap international flights, right? However, including a layover in your itinerary might actually be a good idea to help with overcoming jet lag.
Layovers allow you time to rest and recover from the first part of your journey. Again, you can match your sleeping schedule with that of the destination you’re traveling to. When you board your second flight, you’ll be refreshed and ready to stay awake for the final leg of your journey!
Schedule an Activity Right After Landing
The first few hours are the most important when landing at your destination. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule a visit to a museum or book a tour through the city, for example. This will keep you out of the hotel and away from that tempting bed calling you for a well-deserved nap!
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