Having just got back to New Jersey from five days in California, I am feeling a bit jetlagged. Going out there wasn’t so bad — I made sure I got a good night’s sleep the first night and then listened to my body’s demands for sleep after that. Now that I’m home again, I’m just exhausted. Not to mention cranky, achy, and sluggish.
Your pre-flight condition can help keep jetlag at bay. If you are stressed, nervous, sick, anxious, or just over-tired before your trip, you can count on the time zone change to make things worse. No matter how hard you try, you’re probably not going to get a good rest on the flight — don’t count on the travel time for “catching up” on rest. If you are well rested and at east before you go, your body will have an easier time adjusting to the new schedule once you’re there.
During the flight, you can help your body fight off impending jetlag in a few ways:
- Stay hydrated. Airplane cabin air is very dry. If you are used to more humid conditions, you will definitely notice the change. You may develop a headache, dry skin, or even a sore throat. This is why many people find themselves feeling sick after a flight — the dry membranes make your body more susceptible to catching a cold or flu. Drink plenty of water on the flight.
- Get fresh air, or at least get what air there is moving. Most airplanes give you a little air vent over your head — open it up! A lack of fresh air can leave you tired and irritable.
- Try to keep moving. It isn’t easy to manage — you may not have much opportunity to stroll up and down the aisles. You can always do stretches in your seat! Reach your arms over your head, do shoulder, wrist, and ankle circles, and anything else that gets you moving around a bit. A full-body stretch while you’re waiting to board can help start the blood flowing.
- Give yourself the chance to sleep on the plane if you want to. Blindfolds, ear plugs, and neck rests can help you manage to catch a nap. Take off your shoes for comfort and to ease pressure on your feet. Stow your bag overhead so you’ll have room to stretch out a bit.