Frequent international flyers would testify to the fact that how irritating jet lag can be, so much so that it can take away all the fun from your holiday. This condition occurs when your circadian rhythms are slow to adjust to the new time zone and remain on their original biological schedule for several days. Jet lag symptoms include fatigue, sleepiness, digestive upsets, impaired judgement and irritability. It generally takes 3 to 7 days for the body to completely recover from jet lag. However, these tips can help your body recover from travel stress in lesser time.

1. Exercise a few hours before boarding your flight

Exercising on the day of your flight is a good idea. It will wear you out and help you sleep through the night on board.

2. Prepare your body gradually

Prepare your body by doing things at a different time. Move your routine either an hour earlier or later (depending on the time difference and whether it’s ahead or behind of GMT) on each day leading up to take-off until you are in sync with the time of your destination.

3. Don’t get stressed

Adrenaline surge caused by stress inhibits sleep and increases jet lag. Use lavender oil to soothe the nerves if you’re a nervous flyer.

4. Increase liquid intake

Drink lots of fluids on board as cabin air conditioning can cause dehydration. Carrot juice is recommended because of its high levels of keratin.

5. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol

Eating a heavy meal on board will distribute most of the oxygen to your stomach making you feel groggy. Digestion is sluggish on flights so you should eat at the airport before take-off.
Alcohol can increase the effect of jet lag as you will land with a nasty hangover. Try not to have more than one glass of wine or champagne.

6. Expose yourself to bright light after reaching your destination

Expose yourself to bright light during the daytime as it helps reset the circadian rhythm. Exposure to bright artificial light has the intensity of early morning daylight can also help influence the body’s internal clock.

7. Eat right

Natural yoghurt will aid digestion, especially if you didn’t eat on the flight, and eating carbohydrates will give you energy, helping you stay awake.