Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, jet lag affects everyone. I love traveling, but I always dread the exhausted, hungover-like fog that follows my body clock getting thrown totally out of whack.
Jet lag is caused when you disturb your regular sleep pattern by changing time zones. As a general rule of thumb, for each time zone you cross, you need a full day and night to synchronize your body clock with the local time zone of your new destination.
While there isn’t a quick fix for jet lag, I have discovered some easy tips and tricks to help alleviate the travel slump.
Here are a few ways to look and feel fabulous in no time:
Food: Eat light meals. Nutritionists recommend eating smaller meals with protein, complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables to sustain steady energy levels.
Light: Soak up the sun! Sunlight controls your body’s circadian rhythm, so exposing yourself to the sun helps your body clock adjust to your new time zone. This is a great reason to get outside, enjoy a walk, and familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.
Melatonin: Take a melatonin supplement the first few days of your trip. Melatonin will help regulate your sleep patterns and reset your internal clock. Be sure to check with your doctor first to make sure melatonin is right for you.
Massage: You can relieve tired limbs and stimulate blood flow with a massage tailored to alleviate post-flight stress. If you land at night, book a relaxing massage with nourishing oils to help your skin rehydrate. If you arrive during the day, opt for an invigorating massage to increase blood circulation.
Movement: Research shows exercise can help reset your body clock. Hit the hotel gym, go for a run, take a yoga class, or workout in your room to combat exhaustion.
Caffeine/Alcohol: While your first instinct when you are tired is to get a cup of coffee or tea, resist this urge. Caffeine and alcohol are stimulants and may worsen jet lag symptoms.
Hydrate: Long flights can leave you stiff, tired, and extremely dehydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to relieve your jet lag symptoms
