3 Great Jet Lag Adjustment Strategies

If you travel across time zones, jet lag may exhaust you upon arrival. However, you can take steps to not let this woozy feeling derail your fun. First, you can learn about how jet lag works and what you may experience. You can understand that this condition affects your circadian rhythms. Your body may be unsure about sleeping and waking times. You can also take into account that not sleeping while you travel can exacerbate symptoms. You can also learn about what symptoms of jet lag you may end up experiencing.

The next thing you can do is try to keep yourself rested and hydrated while you travel. You can drink lots of water. It can also help to keep your bedtime routine consistent with your home routine. Then, you can follow the sleeping and waking routines of your new location. Make sure your devices that tell time are set to your new time zone. Go outside into the sunshine to facilitate a feeling of being awake during the day. Your body will get used to your new environment, and you can enjoy your travels.

Awareness of Jet Lag

Jet lag is a sleep-related malady often felt by travelers. Cleveland Clinic explains that “traveling over more than three time zones” can cause jet lag. The change in time structure can throw off your body’s circadian rhythms. These rhythms regulate your patterns of sleeping and being awake. In addition, just being awake for a long time during travel can be a factor. Sleeplessness during your journey to your destination can exacerbate jet lag.

The Better Health Channel states: “Jet lag is a combination of fatigue and other symptoms.” Along with tiredness, symptoms can include irritability and lapses in memory. Not being able to sleep well at night can also be a symptom. In addition, jet lag may prompt trouble with concentration. You can watch for these symptoms as you travel. You can also prepare for them. Learning about symptoms you may face and taking steps to lessen their effects can help.

Taking Steps to Get Acclimated

Before you arrive at your travel destination, you can start planning for jet lag. There are steps you can take on the plane. For instance, Healthline advises that you can “try to log some sleep while airborne.” You may be flying at a time when you normally sleep. Therefore, you can try to make yourself comfortable and get some rest. Before your flight, you can put thought into your outfit. You can wear something comfortable for you to have on as you fly.

Once you arrive, you can continue to take jet lag mitigation steps. Generally, you can make sure to pay attention to maintaining your health. One focus should be on continuing to make sure you are getting good sleep. Another focus should be hydration. Drinking water as you travel is essential. Cleveland Clinic states that “water can combat the effects of dehydration after a long flight.” Staying hydrating can help you start feeling like yourself again after a long journey.

Leaping into Travel Plans

Healthline reassures: “Remember that your body will eventually adjust to the new time zone.” You can help yourself through the adjustment process. You can ensure that you are rested and hydrated. As you do so, you can throw yourself into your new environment. Before you know it, your internal rhythms will operate according to your new schedule.

One thing you can do is check your devices. You can ensure that they are set to the time of your new location. Many will do this automatically. However, you may have a watch, for instance, that is adjusted manually. In which case, you can update the time yourself. Another thing you can do is step out into the sunshine. Cleveland Clinic advises: “Getting outside during daylight hours can jump-start alertness.” Your body can then figure out when you are supposed to be up and about. In general, you can participate in life according to the daylight schedule of your locale.