Who would want to be half way around the world, all excited to check out the Colosseum or take a cruise on a canal in Amsterdam, only to be too tired or sick to enjoy them. This unfortunate situation occurs, way to frequently to travelers. So what really is jet lag and why does it effect some people and not others? Jet lag is a physical condition where an individual experiences exhaustion, head aches, disorientation, disruption of sleep and even nausea. It essential is a mixture of dehydration and a lack of sleep, and will effect every person differently. So how can you avoid ruining your trip, especially if you are in a place for only a short period of time and do not have the time to acclimate?
The best way to avoid jet lag is to take care of your health. One way to do this, is to rest up. The major cause of jet lag is exhaustion. Most travelers do not get enough rest before their trip as well as on the plane. They are usually rushing to get everything ready for their big trip or are just plain excited for this memorable vacation. How can you not get excited to see Paris or Rome for the first time, but get your rest. You are going to need it! Plan and pack days earlier, this will limit undue stress and make it easier for you to sleep the night before the trip. Next, skip the in flight movie. I know it might be tempting to see that latest action flick or the newest romantic comedy, but you will be better off with the sleep that you might be able to get instead. Besides, sleeping on the plane will help you to acclimate to your new time zone that you will be arriving in and give you the rest that you will want, when you get to your final destination.
Another great way to avoid jet lag is to keep hydrated. Jet lag, like most illnesses can be keep in check with lots of fluids. So before you leave and throughout your trip, drink lots of water or orange juice, that vitiam C can keep your immune system going, and definitely avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages on the plane. These have a tendency to dehydrate one's system.
As soon as your on the plane, change your watch to the time of your next destination. Even if it's daylight and your next destination is currently in the middle of the night. Also, periodically tell yourself that it is that later time. This mind over matter can ease you into acclimated for your new time zone.
When you arrive at your final destination, get some fresh air and exercise. It always amazes me how exercise can stave off jet lag. The best way to get that exercise is to check out one or two small sites. Walking around a museum or a church will do you wonders and get on good start to seeing all those wonderful sites that you have been so excited to experience.
Lastly, stay up as late as you can. If you can force yourself to stay up to nine or ten o'clock the first day, it will set your internal clock much quicker and by the next morning you will be acclimated to your new time zone. If you follow these suggestions, you will have a much more enjoyable trip and you might be able to avoid the dreaded jet lag or at least minimize it.
These are just a few of the ways that I use to avoid jet lag, but if you have any other ideas or suggestions, or horror stories, please tell us all about it! Me and the audience would love to hear all about it.
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