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Try to leave home well rested. It's easy to leave packing until the last minute, then be running around picking up last minute things, doing laundry for that favorite travel shirt. Pack a few days ahead, and try to keep the last couple of days before departure more stress free. If you leave home more rested, you'll be better able to deal with jet lag once you're on your way.
All the experts and websites say it.... drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Airplane cabins are dry, and caffeine and alcohol only dehydrate you more. What you want to do is stay as hydrated as you can.
Drinking lots of water will give you a good excuse to get up and move around... on your way to the restroom. Take short walks every couple of hours even if you don't have to go! Do exercises while you're in your seat. Almost every airline has a page of exercises in their inflight magazine.... give them a try.
Try to sleep on the flight. Some people say they can never sleep on a plane.... that may be true, but it can't hurt to shut off the light, forgo the movies, and just try to rest.
Staying hydrated, exercising, and sleeping a little on the flight will leave you feeling better when you get off the plane and better able to deal with jet lag.
Once you arrive, don't keep trying to calculate what time it is at home. Your body is going to tell anyway, so don't reinforce it! You know... your body says it's time to sleep when your watch is telling you it's time for breakfast. What you need to do to deal with jet lag is to try to get your body to agree with your watch... and your new time zone. Forget about what time it is at home until you get back there.
If you arrive early in the morning, try to plan outdoor activities most of the day. Walking, fresh air and sunshine will help reset your body clock. A short nap might be OK, but avoid sleeping for a long time during the day. Try to stay up until a reasonable hour... an early bedtime is OK that first day, as long as it's not 5 PM!
If you arrive on the other side of the world at night, try to get some sleep as soon as you get to your hotel. You'll probably be tired enough that you actually will sleep through most of the night.
In either case, you're apt to wake up early. No use trying to stay in bed, you'll just toss and turn. Get up and go for a walk... see what's happening on the streets in that new location, then try to stay up and keep going all day.
There are some drugs, both over the counter and prescription that may help with jet lag. Try those with caution. We think it's only a matter of using these common sense tips for a couple of days, and you'll be over your jet lag and enjoying your holiday.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
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