Jet lag is when your usual sleep pattern is disturbed after a long flight. Usually, jet lag should improve within a few days of arrival. As body starts to adjust to the new time zone, the feelings will subside.
We have opportunities to live and work abroad cross the world, including Australia. Did you know that Australia is a whopping nine hours ahead of us in the UK?!
That jet lag feeling can definitely be reduced. In fact, there are a few ways in which you can help to minimise the feelings which we will look at in this blog post.
But first, what are the symptoms?
Some symptoms of jet lag include:
- fatigue
- insomnia
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- lack of appetite
- headache
Now, let’s take a look at how to beat jet lag.
Hydration
Long-distance travel may cause dehydration, and sometimes you may even avoid drinking any fluids so that you don’t have to use the bathroom. Proper hydration may help manage jet lag symptoms and travel fatigue.
Be sure to keep hydration levels up by carrying a water bottle with you, each side of your journey. Obviously, you can’t take much liquid through security so do ensure that you purchase more as soon as possible.
Get plenty of natural daylight
This is another simple, yet highly effective tip for beating jet lag. In fact, it may be one of the most effective tips on this list! Once you land in your final destination, aim to absorb as much natural sunlight/daylight on your face, body and through your eyes as possible. If you arrive during the night then of course this can’t be done right away. As soon as the sun comes up, get yourself outside and soak up all of the day-time lighting.
Synchronising with the time difference
Another great way to beat jet lag is to synchronise with the time zone days before you travel. What does this mean, exactly? Well, if you relocate to Japan you can expect an eight hour time difference. Japan is also ahead of us in the UK, and following the time zone days before travelling makes a huge difference.
This means sleeping and waking with Japan time, and carrying out your day during this schedule. It may feel strange getting to bed on Japan time whilst still at home in the UK – particularly because it will still be daylight! Nevertheless, by getting into the time zone before travel you can spare yourself on some of the symptoms we mentioned earlier.
Devoting time to adjusting
If you are unable to get into the new time zone a few days before your departure, then why not devote a few days on the other side to adjust? It is good to bear in mind that if you are starting a new job working abroad, you should set start dates and any other important days a little later in the week of arrival. Give yourself enough time to catch up on sleep, adjust to the time zone and rid yourself of any potential jet lag symptoms.