How I Deal With Jet Lag + Tips For Getting Over Jet Lag Naturally

by | Travel Guides + Tips

While traveling is SO MUCH FUN, it also can come with the unwanted side effect of jet lag. I have a few tips I want to share on how to get over jet lag.

Jet lag is defined as the disruption of normal sleep patterns experienced while the body adjusts to rapid changes in daylight and nighttime hours when flying to different areas of the world.

I, of course, chose two of the furthest countries from each other (Australia and the USA) to live, so this has become a topic I frequent often.

There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination, feeling groggy and having a strange out-of-body experience because you aren’t sure which time zone you are in.

The effects of jet lag are usually greater if you are going from west to east (1).

  • When you fly east, the number of days it takes to get over jet lag will be about 2/3 the number of time zones you cross.
    • Ex) If you cross 6 time zones, it will take you about 4 days to recover.
  • When you fly west, the number of days to get over jet lag equals about 1/2 the number of time zones.
    • Ex) If you cross 6 time zones, it will take you 3 days to recover.

Watch the video below to hear my tips on how to get over jet lag. Keep reading if you want a more indepth look!

 

So How To Get Over Jet Lag?

  • Use essential oils! Invigorating oils such as Peppermint and Eucalyptus can help stimulate your senses in the morning and calming oils such as Lavender or Balance can aid in a restful night’s sleep.

Apply 1 – 2 drops to temples, thymus, lower back and bottoms of feet.

Want to order these essential oils? Click here to get started!

  • (Common sense alert ) Drink lots of fluid. The air inside the cabin of a plane usually has a humidity level of 10 to 20 percent — much lower than the typical indoor humidity of 30 to 65 percent (2).

I personally LOVE the fact that alcohol is provided on long-haul flights. There’s just something about sipping a glass of red wine while you are 30,000 feet in the air! But the hangover that can hit you when you land isn’t very fun either. So drink A LOT of water. You’ll feel fresh and alert if you’re hydrated when you land at your destination.

  • Set your watch to the time at your destination. This is a mind trick but it tends to work. Do this as soon as you get on the plane. If it’s evening in your destination, then settle in and try to relax and sleep. If it is morning, then do your best to stay awake. (I watch movies because the light keeps me awake). When you land you will already be adjusted to the timezone. This is probably one of the most effective ways to adjust your body clock and prevent jet lag.
  • Try a homeopathic jet lag prevention pill. I personally like the company ‘No-Jet-Lag’ from New Zealand. It contains 5 homeopathic remedies effective in countering the effects of jet lag (3). Follow the instructions on the packet and take during the flight.

You can purchase the product here. 

  • Try melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland in our brain. It helps control your sleep and wake cycles. Small amounts are found in meats, grains, etc, however, you can also purchase this as a supplement (4).

Melatonin helps you fall asleep so take this at bedtime to help your body clock adjust to the appropriate time schedule.

This is a brand that I like. 


 

Happy traveling folks!

 

Are you a frequent traveler who knows how to get over jet lag quickly and naturally? Give me your tips in the comments below!

 

Lindsey Victoria

Lindsey is the author of A Life Well-Balanced, a lifestyle blog dedicated to helping people live a more balanced life - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

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