Is this your first experience going across time zones? This is a cue to familiarise yourself with jet lag.
The joys of international travel! Moving from one country to another and enjoying the sights and sounds of another city; going on a business trip or going on vacation with a family member.
We want to experience it all but jet lag can limit this experience. Like the villain in a movie, it does everything to make your travel time unbearable.
Jet lag can throw your body off balance leaving you to wonder why you got on a plane in the first place. In this article, we will be highlighting tips to help you cope with jet lag as a first-time traveller.
What is Jet Lag?
Jet lag occurs when your body’s internal clock is thrown off balance. This internal clock helps to regulate your temperature, sleeping and waking time and of course, your hormones.
Jet lag is experienced anytime one travels across time zones. Imagine taking a flight in the wee hours of the morning only to arrive in a country during the hot afternoon.
Your body might be wondering, “What the heck is going on here? I thought it was supposed to be morning.” The longer the flight, the more susceptible your body is to getting jet lag.
Some symptoms of jet lag include:
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Mood swings
- Headaches
These symptoms usually wear off after a few days but if they don’t, kindly consult a health care professional.
Tips to Cope with Jet Lag as a First-Time Traveller
Getting rid of jet lag as a first-time traveller can be achieved with the following tips.
Stay hydrated
With or without jet lag, your body needs water. This need increases as you travel through time zones. Stay hydrated by carrying water in your backpack and drink enough at intervals. Take advantage of opportunities to refill your water bottle at the airport or during the flight.
Make your sleeping area cosy
Imagine leaving a country in the morning and arriving at another at nighttime. You have no option but to sleep because your meeting starts at 11 am the next day. You can achieve this by making your sleeping area cosy. Put up family photos if you have any, and make sure that your bedsheets and pillows are comfortable.
Furthermore, you can turn off notifications, carry your favourite tabletop fan or regulate the air conditioning to what your body is used to at home. Doing this can improve your sleeping experience. It is also important to get adequate sleep the night before your flight.
Get your mind in gear for the time change
Getting your mind in gear for the time change simply means taking steps to help your body quickly adapt to the time zone of the country you are travelling to. You can achieve this by changing the time zone of your devices during the flight, getting your mind ready by eating meals and sleeping according to your new time zone. This should be done immediately when your plane takes off.
Monitor your light exposure
Monitoring your light exposure is dependent on the time zone of the country you are travelling to. If you will be landing in the morning, ensure you get enough sunlight prior or get exposed to sunlight immediately when you arrive. Don’t be in a hurry to go indoors.
If you arrive at night, endeavour to reduce screen time during your flight and listen to calm music to get your body in tune for a good night’s rest.
Get moving
If you are someone who exercises regularly, you can do so to overcome jet lag. Take a walk, jog or visit a nearby gym to get your body back to its form after a long flight. Doing this will keep you pumped up and ready to go.
Eat light
Don’t be tempted to overstuff your body with food before or during a flight. Eat smaller meals at intervals, giving your body time to digest them before you land. Doing this prevents you from having stomach-related issues during or after your flight.
Consult a healthcare professional
Jet lag is supposed to wear off after a few days. If symptoms are still rearing their head in after that, you need to visit a healthcare professional for medical advice. Do not attempt to self-medicate as an underlying health issue might be the cause of extended periods of jet lag.
Conclusion
Scared to get on your first international flight? Don’t be, as jet lag can be thrown out the window if you stay hydrated, exercise, make your sleeping area cosy, eat light, monitor your light exposure and consult a healthcare professional when needed.
More here: 5 Important Things to Note When Travelling
