If you love traveling around the world, you are probably familiar with jet lag. As natural as it is, it can be quite uncomfortable and frustrating to deal with, especially if you don’t really have that much time to get to know your new destination. So, in order to help you enjoy your trips to the fullest, here are a few suggestions that should help you fight jet lag like a pro.

Increase your light exposure

Photo by Gian Cescon on Unsplash

The main reason for jet lag is your body’s circadian rhythm. More precisely, when you travel abroad, your circadian rhythm falls out of sync because of the different time zone. This is why you might find yourself pacing the room at 3 a.m., or not being able to get up for breakfast. Your body expects you to be asleep at a certain time, and when you suddenly change that time, your body cannot adjust to it as quickly as you wish it could. So, in order to help your body understand what is happening, make sure to get enough sunlight at the right time of the day. For instance, if you are going east, get some sunlight in the morning, and you ’ll have an easier time adjusting 

Get a good night’s sleep

Let’s be honest, most of us spend the night before the trip packing our suitcases, looking for things we need, deciding on the things we probably won’t need (but we take them anyway), and just being a disorganized mess. However, that’s the last thing you should be doing the night before the trip. It is likely to leave you exhausted but too stressed out to actually get enough rest. So, pack all your things early, and try to get some rest before the trip. 

Be careful with medicine

Many people reach for sleeping medicine as soon as they find their seat, but this is not always a good idea. The thing is, if it’s going to be night when you land, it would be best for you to stay awake during the flight. In other words, sleeping pills could actually make your jet lag worse. Use them only if it’s going to be daytime when you get to your destination. Also, research has shown that eye drops can help with jet lag, so consider getting some before your trip if you need a quicker solution to this potential problem.

Avoid alcohol

You might be tempted to enjoy a glass of wine, but it’s not really worth it. It can make you sick, dizzy, and dehydrated after you land. Your safest bet is to stick with water, as it can give you more energy and help you stay awake if needed. That being said, if you cannot resist, just do your best to keep the drinking to a minimum.

Set your watch

A great part of the whole jet lag issue is mostly in your head. This is why you should set your watch to the time zone of your destination as soon as you take off. This way, you will trick your brain, and you ’ll have an easier time getting used to the new reality. If you are not busy the day before the trip, you can try this trick a day or two early as well. It might give you a head start and make it easier for you to adjust when you land. Just keep the light exposure in mind, especially if you are going to have to stay awake throughout the night.

Here's to jet lag-less trips!

You may not be able to prevent jet lag completely, but there are ways to reduce its effects and help you handle the time difference. So, keep the above-mentioned suggestions in mind, and rest assured that you will have a much easier time coping with potential jet lag in your future trips — either for business or holidays.