How to beat jet lag
I recently took my first Red Eye flight back from San Fransisco to Tampa.
I thought I was going to HATE it. I mean you keep yourself awake till about 12:30 am to then get on a plane and try to sleep for 3-4 hours then go about a whole day back home. But I personally loved being back in the swing of things so quickly. I didn’t notice any of the 2nd day jet lag hangover that I usually have going towards Europe so I was sold. Bonus was that the Red Eye was the cheaper option! But I understand night flights are tough for some people when it throws you off course. Below are some tips I have on how I beat jet lag.
Get Moving
I know you feel tired and sluggish, but any kind of exercise or even just taking a brisk walk will help. If I am going overseas to Europe, I typically say to plan a big attraction the first day so you stay excited and moving. My personal favorite is a walking food tour because they are typically earlier than normal European dinner hours so you can feel accomplished but still retreat to your hotel at a normal hour to catch those zzz’s.
Get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible
I used to play the game “oh but it’s ___ hrs behind in my head,” but that only makes it harder to readjust to your normal structure. Push through the feeling of being tired and I promise you will get back on track faster. This is especially true when it comes to your eating schedule!
Drink lots of water
Flying makes you dehydrated and dehydration makes you tired. Get to guzzling that H2O- they say you should drink 8oz of water per hour of flying.
De-puff your face
I know this is going to sound silly, and heck you might be embarrassed to do this. But I swear by first, washing my face like a normal night routine, and then as you land wearing a face mask. Yes, I’m talking those sheet masks that make you look like a ghost. You might feel ridiculous on the plane, but your skin will be glowing when you step off. Don’t want to wear a full on face mask? Buy the patches for your under eyes. Rose water facial mist during the flight helps keep my face dewy and moisturized as well.
These are just a few ways I beat jet lag, though I’m sure there are many more tricks out there! The more you travel, the more you get your own groove of what works for you. Personally, I have my own system when I fly- it’s called give me all the coffee when I land!
What ways do you fight off jet lag?
