When you have either a small business or work on your own, 1 or 2 days out of the office can be bad enough. When you couple that with jet lag you can add another 1-4 days, depending on where you traveled and how long you were gone.
What are you some tips to avoid jet lag?
* Bedtime Changes. Adjust your bedtime by 30 to 60 minutes a day to match the schedule of your destination. For example, if you’re going from the west coast to the east coast of the US, there’s a 3 hour difference. If you normally go to bed at 10:00pm PST, begin going to bed at 9:30, then 9:00, then 8:30. When you arrive on the east coast, you won’t find yourself staying awake until 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning trying to fall asleep.
* Change Time. The minute you depart, adjust the time on your watch to the time it is at your destination. This will help you begin to adjust to the new time and what you would be doing at that time when you get there – e.g., eating dinner, attending a conference, etc.
* Drink water. This should probably be at the top of the list since dehydration is one of the worst things you can encounter when traveling. In fact, start drinking water a day or two before you leave, drink ONLY water on the flight, and continue to drink water through out your trip. By all means, stay away from alcohol and caffeine. They can cause enough issues when you’re on the ground and those issues are just magnified when you travel – especially by plane.
* Sleep at the right time. Again, getting acclimated to the time at your destination is critical. Use whatever it takes – earplugs, headphones, eye masks, or sleep aids. So, if you’re on a long flight and it’s 10:00pm at your destination, try to sleep. Even a little bit of sleep will help with the time transition.
* Stay awake. This is just like the previous tip but in reverse. If you should be awake at your destination, then stay awake on the plane. Talk to others, make a few trips up and down the aisles, or watch a movie.
* Exercise. Move your body as much as you can. Not only will you avoid potential blood clots in your legs (which can be dangerous), blood circulation always makes you feel better. Walk a bit. Maybe stand in the back of the plane and do a few toe touches or back stretches. You don’t have to go as far as doing jumping jacks (because, well, that would be silly). Just try to keep the blood flowing.
* Eat light and right. Now is not the time to toss your eating pattern to the wind. Nutrition is key. To help stay away, eat a high protein snake or meal. To promote sleep, eat carbs like pasta. Try to minimize the salt (to prevent fluid retention in your feet/legs) and fats (since they make you feel sluggish.
* Supplements. Consider taking a supplement such as melatonin or a homeopathic product called, “No Jet Lag.” Also, you might want to make sure you are getting sufficient zinc. Zinc is excellent for keeping away infection and a simple Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc supplement taken 1-2 times a day can work wonders.
