tips for travel

When you’re headed out on a vacation or business trip the last thing you need is to feel tired or run down. But with these seven tips to beat jet lag
you’re sure to stay alert and ready for your entire trip.

Keep it the same

When you’re not traveling for long
you can usually avoid jet lag by sticking to your normal routine. Keep your watch set to your ‘home’ time and just do what you’d normally do at home—eating
sleeping
exercise
etc.

Your body won’t even notice the time chance when you do this
and it will readjust without any problems on the way back.

Sleep like a baby

When you’re traveling out of your normal time zone
you’ll want to try to keep to normal bedtimes. And while you might have troubles at first
try to get the same number of hours of sleep per night. This will help your body fall into a new rhythm for the time when you’re away.

Even if you can’t fall asleep right away
try to get into bed and close your eyes until you fall asleep. Eventually your body will pick up the clue and you’ll get all the sleep that you need.

Fill yourself up

Many times jet lag can be made worse by becoming dehydrated on your trip or while you’re headed there on the plane. To combat this you’ll want to make sure that you’re drinking plenty of fluids as you travel—water and juices especially.

Alcohol can dehydrate the body so it should be avoided if you can. And if you’re expected to drink at a business function
just follow each glass with a chaser of water.

Find the rhythm

When you’re headed into areas where the time will change significantly
you want to set your watch when you get there and start following the local hours. You’ll want to eat when you are supposed to eat
sleep when it’s dark
etc.

By changing the routine that you’re used to directly into the new hours
you can help to offset jet lag before it even starts. Follow your new daylight and darkness hours to adjust your circadian rhythms.

When you arrive

One of the best ways to avoid jet lag is to do some form of exercise when you arrive at your destination. This can be as simple as a walk or a few calisthenics in your hotel room. Do a few jumping jacks to get your heart pumping or start touring the town.

When your body gets exercise
it can ‘bank’ the extra energy and help you adapt to changing light conditions.

If you just can’t sleep

When all else fails
you can try a sleeping pill to re-teach your body when to sleep. Normally this isn’t recommended
but when you’re on an extended trip or you have to switch time zones frequently
a sleeping pill can help to give you some rest in order to be alert during the day.

Natural cues

And if the sleeping pill doesn’t appeal to you
you can try aromatherapy.

Find a good travel kits that includes oils that you can smell for energy as well as soothing oils for relaxation
like lavender.

With all of these tips
jet lag will no longer follow you on your next trip.