How to beat JET LAG

My Top 5 Tips to Help You Beat Jetlag

With all the travelling I’ve done over the past 30 years, I’ve had to learn how to beat (or avoid) jet lag, so that I don’t miss out on a day on both ends of my trip while I try to get into the normal timezone.

I’ve never taken sleeping pills when flying (or not flying) so I can’t really comment on that – they may work for you, but I have no first-hand experience.

 

My sure-fire tricks have worked for almost 30 yrs of travel … for me. Maybe they’ll help you too …

1.  Whatever time I land, I have to be part of the timezone.

Arriving in Paris or another city early in the morning? If possible, have a quick shower. If you know in advance you can’t check-in to your hotel or accommodation early, shower at the airport after arrival. You’ll feel refreshed after your long flight, and be ready to start the day … on ‘Paris time’.

Head to your hotel etc, drop off your bags, grab your day bag of necessities (sunglasses, camera, map, journal – whatever you’d normally carry on a day-to-day basis). Go sit in a café and get into the ‘zone’ or go somewhere to keep your eyes busy (away from your bed). What about taking a cruise along the Seine? The Hidden Paris Barge Cruise for 2.5 hrs would be perfect! Do some research before you leave home to see which tours etc start early.

Arriving late in L.A. or Berlin or Melbourne? Go out for a drink, go window shopping, go somewhere relatively lively or meet friends etc.

2. Never nap for more than one hour on the first day

If you absolutely cannot stand up or stay awake during the day, have a ONE HOUR NAP – but NO LONGER THAN ONE HOUR.

Set your alarm clock, cellphone or ask the front desk to call and wake you – then have a shower to wake up and feel refreshed if possible.

I find if I nap for over an hour during the first day, I just can’t get into the swing of things.

Depending on the city I’m visiting, I follow all of the above, then go out for a few hours, have lunch, then come back for a one hour nap. When the alarm goes off, I force myself up (take another shower if you’re not already water-logged – or go for a swim if possible), put on my happy face and head out again for a few hours.

Instead of coming back to your room about 3-4pm, find a nice little place to have an aperitif, and talk to strangers, people-watch, savor the experience.

3. Do everything in your power to stay awake until 8pm

I’ve tested different ‘bed times’ and for me 8pm is the magic number.  I have told myself that if I can stay awake until 8pm then I’ll get over jet lag fast, and I do :-)

Whatever you do, don’t laze around on the bed wherever you’re staying – you’ll be asleep from 3pm till 9pm and then awake until 6am – not good at all :-)

If at all possible, push through for as long as you can, or have a shower to freshen up and try to hang in till around 10pm.

4.  Avoid doing things which help you fall asleep

Here are a few things which I know I shouldn’t do when jet lagged:

• ‘resting’ on the bed
• just ‘closing my eyes for a minute’ – a big no-no
• going to a movie – I’m bound to fall asleep, and maybe even snore and scare the rest of the audience
• sitting/laying anywhere you feel very, very comfortable

Strike up a converstion to keep your brain active, whether it’s with a companion, someone at your accommodation, in a café, asking for directions, or just passing comment with a stranger … all of this helpsI’ve found this has worked for me time and time again – I am only ever a ‘bit tired’ for the first 2 or 3 days, I do wake up very early but I use that time to write in my journal or go for solitary walks around the district while the city is still stirring, then I’m right into the swing of things.

In Paris there are many cafés open at the crack of dawn (for example near the major stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est) where you can have your café creme, watch the city start to awaken, and write in your journal or write postcards;  you do still write postcards, don’t you? :-)

5. Ever heard of a floatation tank?

Haven’t heard of these for a few years, but I had friends who said floatation tanks were their answer – get into one as soon as you land at your destination – they reset your internal clock immediatly.

PS – I don’t have any hard and fast rules about being on the plane – eat when hungry, sleep when tired usually gets me through :-)

If you have any of your own tips or suggestions, I’d love to hear them!  Simply click the ADD A COMMENT link below this text and share it with us.

Cheers
Teena