Let’s be honest, long journeys and the effects of jetlag (too many to mention) is not the ideal way to start any type of holiday! I’ve been on lots of trips were the low cost of an airline ticket has swayed my decision over a more sensible flight, were talking 3pm not 3am with a transit and the ability to make good choices when on board.
Over time (lots of it!) I’ve learned how to keep the long haul lethargy at bay, re-set the body clock and have on occasion achieved the impossible; quality sleep on board an aircraft!
Read on and keep in mind all of these GENUINE TIPS for your future vacations!
HOW TO AVOID JETLAG
1. BOOK THE BEST FLIGHT POSSIBLE
Firstly, in order to have THE BEST FLIGHT possible you must avoid the temptation of a window seat! The eventual claustrophobia and over all restless experience is not worth the snippets of good skyline views that you end up having before the lights go out. Instead, snag the aisle or better still the exit row, with more leg room – there’s nothing worse than trying to crawl over someone’s lap to stretch your legs or use the rest room!
Some airlines charge for the exit row, seizing on the opportunity, but it might be worth paying for, even if it’s just to have the extra space – and can you imagine flying with little to no disturbance from others? This option is far less costly than what a premium seat would be, but with two of the main benefits! Sounds good to me!
2. ADJUST YOUR BODY CLOCK
As soon as you board the aircraft set your clocks (watches/phones) to the time zone of the destination you are visiting so that you’ll be one step ahead. If you stick with your new time zone early on and sleep accordingly, it will help you adjust much more quickly. But DO NOT CHEAT by counting the hours back to your home country, it will cause confusion and you won’t benefit from your new plugged in time zone!
Book flights that arrive in the afternoon.
If possible, book flights that arrive in the afternoon – this is my golden tip! Not only will your room be ready (bliss!), but it should also allow you some time to gather your bearings while it’s light enough and then there’ll be just a few hours left in the day to relax, have dinner and go to bed at a reasonable hour local time. Trust me when I say, you will wake up feeling a million dollars and be ready for the JET LAG FREE day ahead!
3. MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE
One of the best things you can do on a long-haul flight is rest and relax, which involves a little pre-organisation. Afterall, you’re sitting for a while so make yourself comfortable by changing into leggings/joggers/jumpers – I even pack a large pashmina to use as an extra blanket! I would also include a few of your favourite skin care items, especially if you’re as obsessed with taking makeup off before bedtime as I am – then why not prep as you would do at home?
Keep your skin in tip top condition with extra hydrating products (eye gels and masks are totally acceptable!) and drink LOTS of H20! When it’s time to sleep I swear by SLIP silk (non-eye wrinkle forming) eye mask, ear plugs and flight socks to combat DVT and the dreaded ankle swells!
TIP: Have everything ready that you will use at your fingertips in a separate little bag stowed under your chair, such as books, earphones, iPod, bathroom items, socks etc.
READ: THE ULTIMATE CARRY ON CHECKLIST
4. STAY HEALTHY AND HYDRATED
Flying can leave you feeling a little dehydrated and the tempting sugary treats on board the aircraft and at the airport that WILL DO NOTHING but create swinging energy levels and lethargy. I’ve highlighted this because I truly believe in working from the inside out! In all honesty, THE BEST thing you can do is swap sugar/tea/coffee for water and herbal teas and choose the food groups with the most nutrition – tricky on an flight I know, but doable, even if this means planning ahead!
Remember you are not exactly burning many calories and snacking light will make you feel light, then you can look forward to a proper meal in your new destination. That’s not to say you need to be a complete angel, having a coffee or glass of fizz at the beginning of a long haul flight won’t do any harm. After all, holidays are cause for a celebration especially when the drink service is included!
Going on a trip soon? You might like to read: HOW TO STAY HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY: 12 ESSENTIAL TIPS
5. KNOW WHEN TO SLEEP
If you are one of those lucky people that can sleep on anything then I’m super envious! All you have to do to is pick an over-night flight and wake-up in your new destination bright and breezy (providing you have closely followed the other four steps). For those flying in the day and arriving late, I would encourage you to keep mildly active (i.e. watch films, read books) and then you can crash out as soon as you get to your room. This will help your sleep pattern straight away.
If on the other hand, you have picked extremely well and your flight is due to land during the golden hours – around midday, then stay up, enjoy the last few hours by the pool, have a lovely dinner and slip away at your usual bed time – local time of course! DO NOT NAP FOR HOURS, otherwise the chances are you will fall asleep and wake up ridiculously early and this will set off your unwanted jet lag.
READ MORE ESSENTIAL FEMALE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope this helps you to beat the dreaded jet leg on your next adventure, let me know what your thought are in the comments box below.
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