Overview of Jet Lag and Tips to Overcome It
Jet lag is a horrible, yet commonly experienced travel ailment. It’s an disturbance to your body’s circadian rhythm that usually occurs after you cross multiple time zones. Symptoms include fatigue, dehydration, headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite. Thankfully, there are a few tips and remedies you can use to help reduce the effects of jet lag.
It all starts before you even set foot on the aircraft. Planning and preparing for your flight ahead of time can go a long way in minimizing the effects of jet lag.
Start by adjusting your internal clock by a few hours each day in the days beforehand. Go to bed and wake up slightly earlier or later, depending on what direction you’re traveling in. Adjusting your meals and drinks can also help
Staying Hydrated During Your Flight
Dehydration is very common while on flights. Take preference to drinks such as water or tea, as opposed to carbonated drinks or coffee. To give yourself an added boost, hydrate with electrolytes such as Pedialyte or Hydralyte. This will help ensure that you reach your destination adequately hydrated.
It is also important to keep moving during the flight. Taking a walk to the bathroom or stretching in your seat can help keep your blood flowing and minimize jet lag.
Natural Remedies for Jet Lag
In addition to healthy hydration methods, there are a few natural remedies that you can take advantage of to help with jet lag. The first is melatonin, a hormone in the body that signals to the brain that it’s time to sleep; increased levels of melatonin can help shift and reset your body’s natural clock.
Karaka seed oil is another effective natural remedy that can help reduce the impact of jet lag. The oil is full of fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium, which can help aid digestion, sleep, and overall energy levels.
Taking CBD oil is another popular remedy for jet lag. CBD is thought to help reduce inflammation in the body, while also providing a calming effect. CBD oil drops or capsules can help maintain sleep during the day and encourage your body to adjust to the new time zone.
Preventative Measures to Reduce Jet Lag
- Start adjusting your schedule gradually before your trip
- Hydrate with electrolytes and avoid coffees and sodas while in flight
- Don’t forget to move around regularly during the flight
- Take natural supplements such as melatonin, Karaka oil, and CBD oil
- Maximise your off-time by scheduling your activities around sunrise and sunset
Conclusion
Jet lag can be a major hurdle to getting acclimated in a new time zone, but with a few preventative solutions and natural remedies, you can drastically reduce your symptoms. From adjusting your schedule ahead of time to taking natural supplements, these tips should help you transition and get back to your regular routine with minimal difficulty.