How to Handle Jet Lag Like a Pro

by admin | June 12, 2022

Say Goodbye to Jet Lag

As much as we love to travel, globetrotting can be exhausting and can seriously impact your internal clock, sleep cycles, and mental acuity. Taking proper steps to minimize the effects of jet lag can significantly enhance your experience while traveling. Below are our top tips for how to say goodbye to jet lag while staying energized and ready for adventure.

Timeshifter

This jet lag app has proven to be a lifesaver while adjusting to time differences of more than 5+ hours. Per their website, “Timeshifter translates circadian science into accessible technology solutions that unlock human performance and improve safety and health.” We love that they use a science-based approach! Within the app’s simple user interface, all you need to do is enter in some basic information about your upcoming trip like destinations and flight times. Using your inputs, Timeshifter produces an end-to-end plan for sleep adjusting before, during, and after your trip. It even indicates when to have caffeine, what type of lighting to be in throughout the day and tips to manage a changing schedule.

Now the caveat to this is that you MUST follow the plan…any deviation may not produce the results you are looking for. However, if you are able to follow the plan, you will be amazed with how much energy you have upon arrival in your destination, and how much better your time is spent without feeling lethargic and needing those pesky jet lag naps!

Your first Timeshifter plan is free, and then it’s $10 per trip afterwards, or you can sign up for an annual subscription for $24.99. Trust us, it’s worth it!

Exercise

A comfy bed might be tempting when you first land from a long flight, however exercising at different times of the day can help alter circadian rhythms. Hotel chains like the Four Seasons have a Jet Lag Rescue program, which provides guidance on certain exercises to do when first arriving.

A moderate workout can help keep you awake while you are trying to adjust to the local time zone. Jogging, brisk walking, and other cardio-based exercises will help. Even better if you can expose yourself to more daylight, for example an outdoor yoga session or bike ride.

Hydration and Healthy Eating

Hydration is a tried and true method to help manage jet lag symptoms, but it’s not as easy as it sounds! Especially at the beginning of your trip, specifically on the airplane, everything from the air to altitude can dehydrate you. Coffee, soda and alcohol are not the best choice to help your body adjust to new time zones. That doesn’t mean don’t partake, but you should consider drinking water consistently throughout the flight to avoid the fatigue, dizziness and headaches that can come with long-haul flights.

Choosing your foods wisely will also have an impact on your energy levels and can also help to produce melatonin, a hormone our bodies use to manage sleep cycles. Dried cherries, goji berries, eggs, smoked fish and nuts are all great snack ideas to pack with you on your journey to help promote natural melatonin production. You can also consider taking melatonin supplements, but we recommend researching brands and quality first.