Jet Lag Remedies on the Go

Jet lag is one of those travel problems that no one is immune from, not even the most seasoned traveler. But, those seasoned travelers have a few remedies and enough experience to know what they need to do to minimize jet lag and then how to deal with it when it does get the better of them.

The basic reason why we all deal with jet lag is because our bodies require sleep, they are timed, trained and expect to get it. When you mess with any natural system, you are going to be dealing with the side effects, and jet lag is what we call the bodies reaction to our body’s inability to adjust to new time zones and schedules as fast as we get there.

Try out these tips the next time you travel to help you get over jet lag on the go, because when most of us travel we don’t have a couple extra days added to the itinerary to help us get over it.

Prepare for Your Travel

The best thing you can do to minimize the jet lag you might experience is to prepare for it well in advance. Seasoned travelers know this and it is how they get through back to back trips with only a day or two to prepare. If the new time zone that you are going to be traveling to is significantly different, two plus hours, begin changing your daily schedule to match the new time zone. Eat one or two hours earlier, get in bed and let your body wind down sooner, even if you can’t always fall asleep at an earlier hour. Wake up and get ready for your day at an earlier hour than you are used to. This way by the time you travel your body is used to the change and it isn’t as hard or draining.

Sleep More and Sleep Often

The jet lag you are experiencing has a lot to do with your sleep, sleep schedule and the lack of sleep. When we travel we tend to already go through a daily schedule change as a result of crazy travel times, delays getting to a hotel and back and a host of other reasons. Even without the time changes, our sleep is already going to be an issue, so sleep more ahead of the trip, catch cat naps when you can and get yourself in bed for a full 6-8 hours each night. Being in a new city and place is exciting, and it might be tempting to get out in the evening, especially when we first arrive, but it is the worst thing you can do when your body needs sleep immediately.

Eat Right

When you’re tired the last thing you might be thinking about is getting a good meal in you. But, eating is a huge help to the body when it is already low on energy. A smart meal filled with fruits, vegetables and proteins is best, with fried, processed and food high in sodium actually harming you more than helping. Take the time to sit down and eat a leisurely meal wherever you land and you will be well on your way to trimming down the time it takes to recoup.

Skip Caffeine and Alcohol

Alcohol and caffeine are the two worst beverages you can consume when jet lag is slowing you down. A shot of espresso might seem like the thing you need to get you going, but because your body is already craving more hours in bed it’s going to hurt you more than help. Both caffeine and alcohol will leave you dehydrated and even more drained after a few hours, so leaving them off the table is the best thing you can do to get through a bout of jet lag.