Jet Lag is the best proof that you're far from home.
And since you are far from home, you're doing great. But what about all these frustrating indications you're jet-lagged? No big deal, you just have to learn how to deal with it, once it occurs. It is generally defined as a sleeping disorder caused by a rapid change between time zones - the term 'jet' indicates that high-speed aircrafts cause a condition by travelling long distances rapidly, making it difficult for the body to adjust properly to the altered conditions.
It usually happens when traveling to different time zones - destinations with over 7 hours difference from the local time. The result? Fatigue and lack of synchronization of the body. Further symptoms may vary from sleep disturbance, various eating disorders, lack of concentration and most commonly, a detachment from the new environment upon arrival.
My experience has shown, that traveling from the west to the east can cause the worst jet lag condition than the other way round. That is because it is much harder to advance the body clock and make your body work as if it were noon when you should be having a good night sleep. It is inevitable to feel out of synchronization when traveling with high-speed aircrafts and that is why it is of the essence to specify the difference between traveling east and west.
I recently had the ultimate Jet Lag experience; a 6-day trip from Europe to the US, making my way through the Atlantic (-10 hours from Greece), crossing the Pacific to Asia (+5 hours from Greece) and finally, back home to local time. As amazing as a trip around the world may sound, it literally blew up my body clock.
Your body needs a day per one time zone crossed to recover. You may think I exaggerate but I actually noticed some truth in that. The worst and most difficult cases of jet lag I experienced were those returning from China and Japan.
This is why I put together a guide for you. All the following tips are the steps I personally follow to fight jet lag - tested and trusted.
Step 1; The Sleep
Schedule your sleep in destination time.
First and most important rule; forget your local time until you get back home! From the very moment you set foot on your destination, set your watch or any other device in local time and try to stay awake (if you travel west) or chill down and try to sleep (if you travel east).
Ideally, you should be practicing adjusting to the local time of your destination days before traveling - especially when traveling to the East - but knowing this can be difficult, I advice you to at least try to adjust upon your arrival. Try falling asleep from the first night, as if you lose one night's sleep, you'll lose them all eventually. Think of it like Jet Lag - The Domino Edition.
Step 2; The Nutrition
Schedule your meals in destination time.
Beyond sleep, you should be scheduling your meals too. Ignore your body saying you should have breakfast on board and eat a proper meal after your arrival. Eating and sleeping are both essential for your body to function - so is your psychological condition though.
Don't force yourself to eat - it's completely wrong. Slowly adjust to the new environment and try doing it from the first day of your arrival - just like sleep.
Step 3; During the flight
Step 3; During the flight
Sleep and meals adjusted to destination time.
On long-haul flights the meals served are adjusted accordingly to the time of destination. For example, when reaching L.A. breakfast will be served - it doesn't matter that your body clock says it's midnight back home. Cabin lights will also adjust, in order to help you go through the different time zones smoothly.
Apart from these, I would also suggest some extra steps;
• Avoid any hot measl during the flight - they tend to be salty - meaning fluid retention - meaning say goodbye to a light and gentle flight.
• Keep some snacks in your bag, i.e. sugar-free dried fruits or some unsalted nuts.
• Water, water, water. Don't count on cabin service for water on long-haul flights. Keep a 0.5l bottle with you at all times to stay hydrated.
• Make sure you have at least a few travel gadgets to keep you company during flight.
• Hand cream and lip balm; the first symptom of a long-distance flight are dried hands and lips.
• Upload a few relaxation tracks to your mobile phone/iPod/tablet and lay back and relax when everyone in your destination is doing so at the same time.
• Don't stay still on your seat the whole time - move around, walk up and down and do everything possible to stay awake and kicking - even when you desperately seek some sleep.
• Say NO to alcohol and coffee during the flight and YES to all kinds of Superfoods.
• Must-have; A sleeping mask.
Step 4; Stopover
Split your long flight in half by making a stopover.
This way, you will adjust more easily to the altered conditions of your destination with a much more efficient way than the changes made on board. By doing a stopover, you will have the chance to adapt to the different time zone and day/night conditions, as well as walk, stretch a bit, breathe some fresh air and have a healthy snack during your stay at the airport. Blood circulation and inner balance will be positively boosted.
Step 5; Seat Upgrade
Given the chance, upgrade to Business Class.
Countless possibilities to enjoy a nice flight - great food and excellent sleeping conditions included. Seats that turn into beds, massage functions to ease your way to sleep, limitless entertainment options - who said you can't pamper yourself every once in a while? Use those extra miles you've been saving for a while and treat yourself as a royal.
Step 6; Hotel
Before heading to bed, οpen the drapes.
This way, you'll adapt to the local time and have the sun wake you up. Save your sleeping mask for the nights when your body still functions as if it were daytime, to help you sleep. As torturing as it may sound, it actually works well.
Step 7; No pressure
Don't force yourself to eat or sleep. Even if you have to.
Trying to pressure your body won't do no good - it's only preferable if you try to adapt to the new conditions a day before and during your flight, as well as upon your arrival. These 2 days will determine whether your body adapts to the new time zone or not. Beyond day 2, things are getting slightly more difficult - especially if your stay won't be longer than 4 days. Keep thinking that you don't have to eat or sleep if you don't feel like it. Say goodbye to your Internet connection, put on a movie or some relaxing music and try to get some sleep.
Whatever you do, give your body time and spae to adapt to the changes.
Step 8; Live it!
Take full advantage of the insomnia caused by jet lag and explore the city.
Ok, you've tried all the above, you've tried everything and still got no results. There's no need to worry and force yourself into sleeping or eating. "Carpe diem" or seize the day instead. Meaning, take the opportunity to explore - sip cocktails at Shibuya in Tokyo or book a Ghost Spooky Tour when in Savannah. Less sleep, more opportunities to get to know the city. Unless you're traveling for business - poor you!
In addition, when up and awake at 5 am in a hotel at the East, you get to devour the delicious fresh-baked croissants and muffins first of the first. See, there's a perk in being awake all night! The trick is to not let jet lag ruin your trip. It's quite annoying to be honest but there comes a time when every traveler learns to either live with it or overcome it and enjoy the trip. Stay up all night exploring or have fresh croissants in bed and even a trip around the world will seem like a piece of cake!
Which are your tips to beat Jet Lag?
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