Tuesday, October 14, 2008

How to Avoid Jet Lag

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1. PREGAME. A term usually reserved for heavy boozing, this one seriously applies to flights. 24 hours before your flight, drink as much water as you possibly can. A flight is severely dehydrating, and it's actually the primary cause of jet lag.

2. RELAX. Once you get in the air, do whatever you have to in order to relax. Personally, I never sleep on flights, so I'm not saying you have to sleep. Listen to some relaxing music, breathe deeply, and kick off your shoes. Just relax.

3. WALK AROUND. To keep your circulation and muscles in order, walk around the plane every one-two hours. It keeps you adjusted and keeps your muscles in working order.

4. MOISTURIZE. During the flight, take some time to use facial and body moisturizer. Your skin gets really dehydrated (along with the rest of you) and this can help keep some of the moisture in.

5. ASK FOR WATER. Flight attendants are completely used to giving patrons water nearly constantly, so don't be afraid to ask for some water. Ask for a few cups at a time if you feel hesitant about continually calling them over.

6. EXERCISE. Once you land, try to be outside as much as possible, and absorb a lot of sunshine. Stimulating your endorphins doesn't hurt either (which exercise does). A lot of studies say that the more time you spend outside, the better you will adjust to the time difference.

7. STAY AWAKE. This is the most difficult, but also the most crucial part of the whole process. My tried and true method is to stay up until nightfall of the day you arrive. Try not to drink caffeine as it will dehydrate you further. Load up on water and fruit; they'll give you a natural boost and also help rehydrate you. Go to bed any time after nightfall.

8. WAKE UP. Wake up at a normal hour the next morning; it will keep you on a normal schedule, and you'll feel refreshed.



2 comments:

Gigantorama said...

Good tips. I hate flying.

CheyCope said...

Wow...thanks for the tips and the link....I never thought of those things before.