Found By Accident contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
15 Easy Steps To Kick Jet Lag To The Curb And Feel Fresh In No Time
Jet lag is that charming little souvenir your body picks up while you’re gallivanting across time zones. Because who doesn’t love spending their vacation half-asleep at lunch and wide awake at 3 a.m., contemplating life’s weirdest questions?
It’s a delightful mix of confusion, exhaustion, and the realization that crossing global boundaries has turned your internal clock into a cruel joke.
But fear not – there are ways to survive this time-warping struggle without becoming a groggy mess. I’ve rounded up the best ways to outsmart jet lag and (hopefully) reclaim your sanity after travel.
Got your own tricks? Drop them in the comments!
Adjust Your Schedule Before Traveling
Think about it – your body has no idea you’re about to hop time zones. It’s just chilling in its usual routine. So a few days before your trip, start shifting your life (just a little). Eat breakfast earlier (scrambled eggs at 6 AM, anyone?), go to bed an hour sooner (or later), and generally ease yourself into your destination’s time zone.
It’s like giving your internal clock a sneak preview. Yes, it’s mildly annoying, but waking up at 3 AM in Paris like a disoriented pigeon is way worse.
Stay Hydrated During Your Flight
Here’s the thing about planes: they’re sky-high dehydrating tubes. Your body’s like, “Water, please,” and you’re out here chugging that second gin and tonic. Don’t do that.
Caffeine and alcohol are traitors in the hydration game. Stick to water (yes, boring old water). Because staying hydrated means you’ll feel more alive when you land…and less like a piece of jerky.
Take Short Naps Strategically
Listen, you’re tired. It happens. But a 4-hour “nap” in the middle of the day will absolutely destroy your new sleep schedule. Stick to a 20-minute, soul-refreshing nap if you really can’t keep your eyes open.
It’s just enough to recharge without tricking your body into thinking it’s bedtime. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not wide awake at 2 AM Googling “Why does jet lag feel like time travel gone wrong.”
Wear Compression Socks
Not to be dramatic, but compression socks might just save your life – or at least your legs. Long flights are the ultimate circulation buzzkill, leaving your feet looking like inflatable pool toys.
Slide on a pair of these magical socks, and you’ll step off the plane feeling less like a swollen marshmallow and more like an actual human. Bonus? Not feeling like a puffy weirdo somehow gives you that fresh and awake feeling. Strange, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
Switch Time Zones Mentally
Here’s a game changer – start thinking in your destination’s time zone as soon as you board the plane. Set your watch (or, you know, glance at your phone), and pretend you’re already there.
Get on local time with meals, naps, or whatever schedule fits. It sounds harmless and mildly pointless, but it’s like a secret mind trick for fooling your body into adjusting faster. Jedi-level time zone hacks? Yes, please.
Exercise Before Or After Your Flight
Quick question. When was the last time lounging for seven hours straight made you feel amazing? Well, if you’re like most of humanity, the answer is “never.”
Moving your body before or after your flight (think yoga, a brisk walk…or even flailing around at the airport gym, if that’s a thing) revs up your circulation and cuts down on flight hangovers. Plus, it makes sleeping in a new time zone way easier. Win-win.
Stick To A Bedtime Routine
You’re in a hotel, your clock’s confused, and your brain won’t shut up. The fix? Bedtime rituals. No, not like witchcraft. I mean reading a book, listening to calming music, or slapping on a luxurious skincare routine.
Familiar cues signal to your body, “Hey, time to sleep!” Do the same thing you would at home, and suddenly, that weird jet lag insomnia fades into sweet, dreamy bliss.
Choose Overnight Flights
Here’s a sneaky little secret to adjusting faster – pick an overnight flight if you can. Would you rather play Candy Crush for 10 hours straight or sleep through half of it? Exactly.
Overnight flights align perfectly with bedtime, so you can close your eyes at 10 PM, wake up in a whole new country, and (sort of) hit the ground running. Warning: airplane sleep is mediocre at best…but we take what we can get.
Stay Active After Arrival
If you roll into your destination exhausted and flop onto the first couch you see, you’re doomed. Instead, get moving. Go for a walk, do some light sightseeing, or stroll through a local park.
The goal is to convince your body it’s daytime – even if your internal clock is screaming, “Why are we awake right now!?” Movement helps you adjust faster, and honestly, who doesn’t love an excuse to explore?
Try A Cold Shower
Yes, I know…it sounds horrifying. But hear me out. A quick cold rinse after you land can snap you out of that groggy, zombie-like haze faster than caffeine (and it doesn’t dehydrate you).
Plus, it kind of feels like hitting the reset button on your entire body. Five minutes of icy bravery, and you’re awake, alert, and outrageously proud of your survival skills.
Eat Foods That Promote Sleep
Jet lag messing up your sleep vibes? Your snacks might swoop in to save the day. Munch on a banana, some almonds, or even a cozy bowl of oatmeal. They’re all rich in melatonin and magnesium, which help you sleep better.
It’s like edible relaxation therapy. Also, resisting airport nachos or late-night greasy temptations just might give your gut a fighting chance.
Break Up Long Layovers
If your itinerary looks like a geography test, consider breaking it up with an overnight layover. A stopover gives your body a chance to catch its breath, adjust halfway, and actually enjoy the trip.
Plus, you can sample a second city en route – two vacations in one, anyone? It’s the perfect way to avoid feeling like you’ve been stuck in an endless loop of crying babies and cramped airplane seats.
Expose Yourself To Natural Light
Binge-watching crime dramas in your dark hotel room does you no favors. Step into daylight, my friend. Natural light is a key player in resetting your circadian rhythm – the fancy term for your body’s internal clock.
A solid hour of sunshine out and about (with sunscreen, duh) will help get you back on track. And think of all the golden-hour photos just waiting for you.
Try Aromatherapy
It turns out that certain smells can actually help you chill. Lavender and chamomile? Sleepy heroes. So toss a mini bottle of essential oil in your bag, or grab a pillow spray for your hotel room.
A few deep breaths, and suddenly, your brain gets the memo – it’s okay to wind down. And I know it smells better than whatever perfumed chaos your seatmate packed on the plane.
Try Melatonin Supplements
Sometimes, your body needs a little nudge to get on board with the new timezone. Enter melatonin supplements – the sleep hormone in pill form. It’s like a do-not-disturb sign for your brain.
Take one an hour before bedtime, and you might just drift off like a pro. But follow the instructions on the label…overdose, and you’ll feel more fried than rested.
Like Our Content? Follow Us On MSN (or click the Follow Button above) to see more from Traveling In Focus.
