Fight Jet Lag
The worst nightmare while on a vacation is the jet lag that follows you everywhere like a shadow. You have probably tried every method in the book with little or no success. Hopefully, though, after reading this article you will be able to stop jet lag before it starts.
Jet lag is defined as fatigue and disorientation caused by too much air travel across many different time zones. To add to fatigue and disorientation, you may also experience other symptoms of jet lag. One symptom you may experience is broken sleep after you reach your destination. Like a newborn baby, your body might be confused with days and nights. It could take a few days to readjust your body to the new time zone. If you're on a vacation, this could completely ruin your plans. If you're traveling on work, this problem may make business impossible. Another symptom of jet lag is confusion and fuzziness in the mind. This may make you less aware of your surroundings, which could cause major safety issues especially in an unfamiliar location. You might also suffer from dehydration with jet lag. This will make you more susceptible to illness, which may ruin any vacation or business trip.
Here are a few of tactics for dealing with jet lag. First, the most important time to deal with jet lag is even before you leave the airport. Ensure that everything you need to take care of is handled in the manner it should be. This can help to improve your mood and emotions. Stress will only add to jet lag, just like exhaustion. Being tired or already having a hangover can make things worse. Be sure you get lots of exercise, as well. This will help you to avoid sickness, and also help your body adjust better to the time changes that you will be facing. If you do get ill, because of the flu or a cold, it is a good idea to postpone the trip as much as possible. If you must travel, however, be sure to take your medications along to treat your illness, because it can be difficult to find those medications in another country.
You must also consider both which way you are flying as well as what time of day you are flying. There are many old tales that say it is better to fly east or west or that it is better to fly during the day or during the night. But it is only a matter of personal preference as to which time and direction works best for you.
Consuming plenty of fluids is the best way to avoid dehydration. As dehydration starts setting in, the capacity of your blood to carry oxygen is depressed. If dehydration continues for too long, it will cause a dip in blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, or fainting. These are the same symptoms as with heat exhaustion and continuing past this point may result in a heat stroke. If a heat stroke occurs with dehydration, the body temperature will rise. During heat stroke, the body will no longer sweat. Untreated heat stroke may have serious consequences like seizure, coma, and death because not only does the blood carry oxygen to muscles, it also carries it to the brain and other vital organs. The first signs of dehydration are thirst, infrequent urination, fatigue, and dry skin. It is therefore best to drink as many fluids as possible.
You can also consider some sleeping aids while traveling in order to prevent jet lag. If you must take medication, do so only after consulting a doctor. Otherwise you can try things like blindfolds, soothing music, ear plugs, or blow up pillows offered in-flight. You can even take off your shoes on the plane for maximum comfort.
The final thing that can help you fight jet lag is to exercise a lot the day before, during, and also after the flight. Running and other forms of exercise help the body cope with the stress it is facing. Doing some simple plane exercises can combat the jet lag. Some plane exercises include holding your carry on bag close to your body at a ninety degree angle. Also do a few bicep curls. That will give you a good workout. Try balancing the bag on your ankles and then do a few leg lifts. Simply walk around the cabin. It may be difficult, but if nothing else, it will help you stretch your legs. You should also try to place the palms of your hands together and push as hard as you can. Hold the position as long as possible. Next try grabbing the nearest book. Hold your arms out straight and with the book on top. Hold this position as long as you can. Then rest for a few minutes before repeating. Finally, stretch each muscle of the body any way you can. One important thing to note as you try your exercises is not to disturb or irritate the passengers around you.