Outsmart Jet Lag: A Guide to Adjusting Your Body Clock

by | Aug 10, 2023 | HelloVacay, Travel Checklists, Travel Essentials, Travel Tips

Jet lag can really put a damper on the start of a dream vacation or important business trip. Your body's internal clock is thrown off by crossing multiple time zones, leaving you fatigued and sleep-deprived. Luckily, there are some effective tricks to minimize the effects of jet lag and adjust to your new time zone faster.
Travel Wellness Tips: Hydration

Expose Yourself to Sunlight

Sunlight is a powerful cue to reset your circadian rhythm. Seek out natural light first thing in the morning at your destination by opening the blinds, going for a walk outside, or sitting outdoors with morning coffee. The sunlight exposure will help synchronize your internal clock.

Try to get at least 15-30 minutes of morning sunlight exposure right after waking up. The light during sunrise is the strongest reset for your body. Take a walk to pick up breakfast or sit outside the hotel to soak up the early daylight. Getting that sunlight in your eyes early sends a strong signal to your brain to move your sleep-wake cycle to match local time.

Travel Wellness Tips: Sleep

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration exacerbates jet lag symptoms like fatigue, headache, and general malaise. Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol during the flight and after you land. For longer flights, get up periodically to walk around and keep blood circulating.

Drink 8 ounces of water for every hour you are in flight. Avoid coffee and tea as those have a diuretic effect. Bring an empty water bottle with you that you can refill post-security so you always have water at hand. Staying hydrated will keep you feeling your best through a long flight and upon arrival. Avoid alcohol the first couple days as it is dehydrating.

Travel Wellness Tips: Hydration

Avoid Heavy Meals

Don't weigh yourself down with a heavy meal right before or after your flight. Opt for lighter fare, snack on fruit and veggies, and go easy on salty foods that can dehydrate you. Give your digestion a break until you adjust to the new time zone.

Choose cleaner, easily digestible foods when flying like salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit and veggies. Avoid greasy, salty fried foods served on planes. Eat small light snacks throughout the flight rather than one heavy meal. Your digestion will be slowed down in flight, so give it an easier time. Once you arrive, gradually work back to heavier meals over the first few days as your body adjusts.

Travel Wellness Tips: Sleep

Reduce Airport Anxiety

Airports can be stressful places that add to the exhaustion of travel. Long lines, big crowds, traffic delays can all heighten anxiety levels and fatigue. That’s why it’s important to reduce airport stress so you start your trip in a relaxed state, rather than already worn out.

Hectic terminals are especially taxing when you’re hit with an unexpected flight delay. Use HelloLounge airport lounge vouchers to stay chill in a peaceful setting with a bit of luxury. The more you can relax, the better you’ll adjust to time zone changes.

Travel Wellness Tips: Hydration

Reset Your Sleep Schedule

Start shifting your sleep schedule closer to your destination time a few days before travel to help reset your circadian rhythm in advance. Going to bed 1-2 hours earlier and waking up a bit later each day eases the transition. After landing, resist afternoon naps so you're primed for a full night's sleep on local time.

Exposure to morning sunlight, exercise, and avoiding naps when you arrive all help cue your circadian rhythm to align with the new time zone. The signals of light and activity reinforce the natural sleep/wake cycle you began establishing before departure. Timed melatonin supplements can also encourage sleep at appropriate nighttime hours. Consult your doctor for a recommended dosing schedule.

Gradual adjustment pre-flight, sunlight exposure on arrival, and supporting healthy sleep hygiene work together to adapt your body clock faster. By front-loading circadian alignment, you'll touch down well on your way to conquering jet lag.

elevate journey hellovacay
With some preparation, you can minimize the disorienting effects of jet lag. Focus on resetting your circadian rhythm using daylight, hydration, sleep, and nutrition to adapt seamlessly to your new destination. The less jet lag slows you down, the more you can make the most of your well-deserved vacation or productive business trip.

About The Author

HelloVacay

HelloVacay

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website’s content as such. HelloVacay does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Work from Anywhere: 15 Countries That Welcome Digital Nomads

The rise of remote work has transformed how we think about careers and lifestyle. Digital nomads are taking advantage of this shift,...

Surprising Travel Hotspots 2025 Part 2: Nicaragua, Tunisia, Laos, and More

Following our exploration of emerging destinations in Part 1, we continue our journey through 2025's most promising yet underappreciated...

The Ultimate Guide to Airport Lounge Access

Traveling can be a thrilling adventure, but navigating through busy airports can often be a stressful experience. However, there's a...

Surprising Travel Hotspots 2025 Part 1: Albania, Georgia, Armenia, and More

As travelers search for fresh, less-crowded destinations, a few unexpected countries are emerging as must-visit spots for 2025. From the...

Mystical Destinations: Travel to the World’s Most Spiritual and Enchanted Places

In a world dominated by technology and constant connectivity, there exists an undeniable yearning for places that speak to something...

Unusual Stays: The Coolest Unique Accommodations Around the World

Forget standard hotels—2025 is all about unforgettable stays in the most unique accommodations on the planet. Whether you want to sleep in...

Townsizing: The Travel Trend That’s Redefining Adventure in 2025

The way we travel is changing. Instead of flocking to overcrowded cities, more travelers are embracing townsizing—a trend focused on...

Slow Work Cities: Best Places to Base Yourself in 2025

Work-life balance has evolved from an ideal to a necessity, and digital nomads are following suit - shifting from rapid city-hopping to...

Coffee Shop Culture: World’s Best Cities for Remote Work

The perfect remote work café isn't just about fast WiFi and available outlets. It's about a delicate balance of ambient noise, unspoken...

The New Airport Experience: How Terminal Design Is Changing to Reduce Travel Anxiety

Your heart rate increases by 25% the moment you enter an airport terminal. It's such a universal experience that designers and...
As an Amazon Associate HelloVacay earns from qualifying purchases.