If you are a seasoned business traveler, you’re probably used to the flight delays, lost luggage and long lines at airport security. But one thing you probably never grow accustomed to? Jet lag. Whether you frequently head from one coast to another or occasionally jump across oceans to a different continent, jet lag sneaks up and bites you when you change time zones.
Jet lag results from the slow adjustment of the body’s clock to the new destination’s time, so daily rhythms and the internal drive for sleep and wakefulness are out of synch with the new environment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But, you don’t have to be miserable and weary when fighting jet lag! Read on for tips on beating it like a champ.
1. Keep good nutrition on track. If you’re feeling sluggish because of a major time change, don’t add to the slug factor with heavy, high-calorie foods that will just make you want to curl up in your hotel bed until the sun rises the next day. Keep your meals light and healthy, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein. Include easy-to-pack snacks – such as apples, bananas, oranges and nuts – so that you’ll have healthy food available on the airplane and at your destination. While you’re at it, monitor your caffeine consumption. Coffee is most people’s go-to pick-me-up when they need a quick boost, but don’t overdo it. Nothing feels worse than adding coffee jitters and a post-caffeine crash to jet-lag exhaustion. So hit up the local coffee shop in moderation, and make sure to drink plenty of water as well!
2. Get that heart rate up. It can be hard to get up the energy to work out on the road when well rested, never mind when you’re coping with jet lag! But trust us, sometimes getting that heart rate up and breaking a mild sweat can be the best bet for waking a body up. You don’t have to go crazy—a brisk walk in the sunshine or a few quick stretches can be enough to reinvigorate yourself when all you want is to crash for the night at noon.
3. Shower up. There’s a reason most people start their days with a shower—it’s a great wake-up call. If you’re getting sleepy just sitting in your hotel room waiting for a big meeting, jump in the shower so you won’t fall asleep. Want something even more effective? Try a colder shower. Nothing will stimulate the senses more!
Time is the only true cure for jet lag, but these tips will help you cope until your body adjusts. What tips and tricks do you have for beating jet lag?
