While some people aren’t fazed by jet lag, others suffer from its effects for days or even weeks on end. Jet lag occurs when your body’s natural rhythm becomes disrupted and as a result, can make you feel fatigued, unfocused, lethargic, and generally “not yourself.” Our EWR Airport parking company knows that dealing with jet lag can be tough, so we have some suggestions to help:
If you’re traveling across the country or abroad and will have to deal with a several-hour time difference, you can ease your jet lag by starting your sleep schedule early. If you’re traveling east, move your bedtime to half an hour earlier each night; if you’re traveling west, move it to half an hour later. Do this for several nights up until you leave to get your body used to your new bedtime.
Water does wonders for our bodies, and staying hydrated during a vacation or business trip can help you sleep better, focus better, and simply feel better. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can deplete your body of vitamins and instead, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight.
Because our natural clock is based largely on exposure to natural light, you can prepare for and cope with jet lag by regulating your exposure to natural light. If you’re traveling east, limit your natural light in the morning and opt for more during the afternoon and early evening; if you’re traveling west, increase your natural light early in the day and avoid it later in the afternoon and early evening. This can help shift your body’s clock so that you feel tired and awake at the appropriate times.
It’s not hard for your muscles to get achey or sore from travel (especially if you’re dealing with long flights or lots of layovers), so try taking a hot bath before bed. The hot water will relax your body and help you unwind from a long day. To increase your relaxation even more, consider adding lavender bath salts or bubble bath.
There are several “jet lag diets” out there that some people swear by, but none of them have been proven to reduce effects. If there’s one that works for you, stick with it. Otherwise, stick to a healthy balance of protein, whole grains, and beneficial fats to keep your body operating happily. It may also be helpful to not eat lots of carbs or fats right before bed, as they can disrupt sleep.