Travelling between time zones can take it`s toll on your body. It is very easy to re-set the time on your watch but it is not so easy to adjust your body`s internal clock.
How do travellers fight jet lag and is there anything that you can do to make it easier on yourself and your body? I have recently spoken to a couple of frequent travellers and this is the advice they gave my readers. Please note that people react differently to jet lag and that you need to find something that works for you.
Tips from travellers and how they beat jet lag
- Jacques said that he normally avoids caffeine a couple of days before his flight. He also doesn’t drink any caffeine during the flight.
- Susan said she believes in drinking a lot of water. It helps to hydrate the body and her body adjusts quicker after a long flight.
- It is very important to sleep on the flight, says James, a frequent long distance traveller. He also points out that you shouldn’t be taking a sleeping tablet because you have to move around in order to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. It is crucial to walk the isle and stretch your legs.
- Natalie uses her frequent flyer miles to upgrade to Business class for long distance flights. Recently she flew from the United States to Cambodia and used her miles to upgrade to economy class. She explains that her seat can recline and it is much more comfortable when you are flying long distance flights.
- My friend Monica believes in eating a big meal when you arrive at your destination. It works for her and I discovered for many other people.
In March this year I flew from Argentina to Bangkok. It was an incredibly long flight. I battled with jet lag. My internal clock refused to leave Argentina and I woke up very early each morning and couldn’t go back to sleep. This is what I have learnt from the experience:
- Try not to fly more than 20 hours. When booking your ticket try to book a night or two in a stop-over country. It was way too tiring for me to fly 48 hours and I had trouble adjusting to all the time zones.
- Wake up when you cannot sleep. No need to toss and turn. I woke up at 4am each morning and used the time to communicate my my family back home and to get ready for the sunrise.
- Drink enough fluids – during and after the flight.
All travellers want to make the most of their time overseas and if you follow these simple steps you should be beating the nasty jet lag symptoms and have a great holiday.
