How to Get Rid of Jet Lag

As someone who used to travel a lot for work, I often got jet lag and it made travel and coming home rather difficult. After a few months of nearly constant travel, I learned a few tricks about avoiding jet lag that made traveling much easier and more enjoyable. If you are planning a trip that will take you through multiple time zones, read on to learn how to avoid jet lag - or at least how to minimize it!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. ~ Choose Your Flight Wisely ~
   
   Many airlines have twice daily flights on many long-haul routes. This allows you to end up in your destination either in the morning or at night. Which flight is best for you depends on whether or not you are able to sleep on a plane. If you are not a plane sleeper, you may want to arrive at your destination at night, even though it may mean that you stay up all night in the time zone you are leaving. On the other hand, if you can sleep on flights without any problem, then plan your trip so that you arrive in the morning hours. If you sleep on the plane, you should easily be able to stay up until the following night local time.

2. ~ Change your Watch as Soon as you Start Your Travels ~
   
   Knowing what time it is in your destination city, even while traveling, will help you to avoid jet lag because you can make decisions about whether or not to take a nap as your travel. For example, if you are going to arrive in your destination city at 10:00 pm local time, you don't want to take a nap during the last few hours of your flight or you'll be up all night.

3. ~ Stay Away From Alcohol on the Airplane ~
   
   Alcohol dehydrates you and makes you more tired. The elevation increases the effects of alcohol and should be avoided when you fly. Instead of cocktails on the plane, make sure that you have water with you during your entire flight.

4. ~ Get On Local Time as Soon as you Can ~
   
   Once you arrive, get on the local time as soon as you can. If you arrive in the morning, force yourself to stay awake as long as you can so you can sleep during the nighttime hours.

5. ~ Sun & Exercise Will Help ~
   
   Get plenty of sun, which will help your body to adjust to your new time zone. Exercise will also help you to sleep better at the end of each day.

6. ~ Take Melatonin at Night When You are on the Road ~
   
   Melatonin is a natural supplement that is available in the vitamin section of every store. It's non-addictive and while it won't make you groggy, it will help you to fall asleep at the end of the day.

[archip99]

on 5/14/2009 I love to travel and this is very handy