Top Ten Tips for Tackling Jet Lag

We all want to hit the ground running when we arrive somewhere new but sometimes jet lag has other ideas. Jet lag is caused when your circadian rhythm (natural body rhythm) is disrupted. With great exchange rates and awesome flight deals, Kiwis are taking more long haul flights and that means more jet lag. There’s no secret cure but reducing the impact of jet lag will make sure you don’t feel like you need a holiday to recover from your holiday. Here are my top ten tips for fighting jet lag:

Get plenty of sleep pre-flight

Before you even board your flight, start your holiday on the right foot and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night for the entire week before your departure. You don’t want to begin your holiday playing catch up.

Steer clear of airline food

Airline food is full of salt and flavour additives. It’ll leave you feeling flat and lethargic when you land. Pack healthy snacks to give your body a nutritional kick and a vitality boost. Some of my favourites are tamari almonds or a raw trail mix, chocolate bars made with 70% cacao, protein balls (make your own) and natural popcorn.

Get on time

Cause as little disruption to your circadian rhythm as possible by setting your watch to the destination’s local time as soon as you board the plane. Try to eat and sleep on that time zone so your body clock has longer to adjust.

Drink water

Airplane cabin pressure and altitude is extremely dehydrating, so you’ll feel tired and flat even if you sleep. Aim to drink at least two litres of water in the air.

Get a green boost

Give your body a burst of nutrients on the plane and as soon as you land. B Vitamin Complex is wonderful for jet lag because it gives you energy and helps rebalance your body. Vitamin C and a high grade multi-vitamin help protect you from germs onboard and a dose of natural Spirulina or chlorella tablets every 4-5 hours aids body repair. You’ll find all of these at a health store.

Sip on herbal teas

Pack your own tea bags and ask your friendly flight attendant for a cup of hot water. Peppermint will settle your stomach, chamomile helps sleep and ginger is great for motion sickness.

Keep your complexion clear

Celebrities manage to arrive looking fresh and so can you. For an instant uplift, I spray rose water on my face every hour to keep my skin refreshed and hydrated. Facial mists are great for removing impurities and brightening your complexion.

Bliss out with Lavender

Soothe your soul with a dab of lavender oil. Flying can be very stressful and a few drops of lavender oil on your temples will calm you down. Great to use both on the flight and in your hotel room.

Get your circulation going

Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by getting up every 2-3 hours and walking around the cabin. Stretch out while you wait in line for the bathroom. When you arrive get your heart pumping and explore your new destination on foot. It’ll get your blood flowing and give your body an energy blast.

Put your feet first

Buy a pair of compression socks before you fly and keep them on during the trip. They’ll help reduce the risk of DVT by aiding blood flow.