Reducing the Effects of Jet Lag

Even if you love traveling, getting to your destination can be a major problem. Especially when you’re traveling across several time zones, you can arrive feeling worn out and lethargic. While jet lag is a problem for millions of people, that doesn’t mean there aren’t tricks to getting over it or preventing it.

Start Living in Your New Time Zone

While the air pressure in the plane does play a part in causing jet lag, the change of time zones is also to blame for the effects of jet lag. You can help minimize the effect by living in the time zone of your destination up to a week before your departure. This will require adjusting your thinking, so you can avoid being late for important appointments. While you’ll have to be wary of the time difference, resetting your clocks will help to you feel more like yourself upon arriving at your destination.

Plan to Get to Your Destination Early

If you’re going away to attend a specific event, it’s a good idea to arrive a day or two early. By being aware that you will experience jet lag to some degree, you can give yourself the extra time to adjust to your new time zone. One day should be sufficient for most destinations, but, if you’re traveling far, an additional recovery day might be wise. If you have been to the destination previously, you should use your own judgment.

Take Time to Relax

Once you get to your accommodations, take a few hours to relax and get your grounding. Try to pack a disposable CBD vape pen or some herbal tea, so you can enjoy some soothing natural remedies. Both CBD oil and chamomile tea are known to reduce stress and help the body relax. While you should avoid napping, using these products to relax can help you get acclimated to your new environment.

Drink Plenty of Water

Start drinking as much water as you can the day before your flight and as you travel to your destination. Among causing other health dangers, dehydration worsens jet lag. While you can’t bring bottled water onto the plane with you, TSA officers will allow you to bring an empty bottle. Once you get past the checkpoint, you can fill the bottle with water to drink. This will help you stay hydrated throughout your travels.

Avoid Sitting Still

Once your plane is in flight, it’s a good idea to take walks around the cabin from time to time. This will help you stay awake and alert, which means you won’t be as deeply affected by jet lag. Also, this will help you keep your blood circulating and reduce the risk of blood clots forming in your legs. This can be a deadly condition that affects people on long flights. Anyone who spends long periods of time in a seated position runs the risk of developing blood clots but walking around for a few minutes every hour can help reduce these risks.

Expose Yourself to the Sun

If you just can’t shake that lethargic feeling, try to get some fresh air. Spending time outdoors and in the sunlight will help your biological clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, re-adjust itself. It’s a good idea to go for a walk or get some other exercise in at this time to help you expend energy and stretch your muscles.

If you are planning a trip, consulting your doctor can help you discover more ways to address the problem of jet lag. The change in time zones affects people differently, so, if you often feel severe bouts of jet lag, there’s no shame in asking your doctor for help. He may recommend more lifestyle adjustments or he may prescribe medication to help you cope with traveling.