When you’re traveling to a place outside of your own time zone, jet lag can be one of the biggest obstacles.
As fun as it might be to go to a new continent, it’s often bothersome when you and your body just can’t adjust to a multiple-hour difference in time.
Here are our top tips to help minimize jet lag and make the most of your trips.
Adjust Your Internal Clock Before Your Trip
If you can, start prepping your body for the new time zone by adjusting your schedule at home. Waking up earlier and going to bed earlier, for example, can make all the difference if you’re heading east. This will help you to adjust to the new schedule.
Sleep on the Plane
If you’re on an overnight flight, it’s essential to sleep on the plane in order to adjust to the new schedule and avoid jet lag. This will help you arrive rested and ready to take on the new city in the morning.
Avoid Alcohol and Coffee
Alcohol and coffee are two no-nos while making long trips. Alcohol will dehydrate your body and make you feel worse and more tired once you arrive in a new place. Drinking coffee stimulates your body and can trick it into thinking that you don’t need rest or sleep when you really do.
Go Outside Once You Arrive
Natural light helps your body know what time it is in your destination. It helps your body’s internal clock adjust via the natural light (or lack thereof) whenever you arrive in a new time zone.
