How to avoid jet lag

Melanie Chambers
Published: November 15, 2008

At this holiday season when so many people will be traveling it seems that we should all be mindful of methods to stay healthy, overcome stress and remain alert. If we can keep in mind a few easy steps we can safeguard our well being during this busy time.

First to stay healthy:
-Wash your hands or use hand sanitizers often
-Stay away from people you know are ill
-Get plenty of rest
-Eat good, healthy meals
-Minimize stress by reserving some time for yourself.

Some people go to the drastic lengths of wearing a mask while traveling on airplanes. If this works for you let it be and don’t mind the stares. Remember it is more important for you, and your family to be well than it is for you to be concerned by what others think.

Now for those of you who will be taking long trips, over many time zones, some tips for avoiding, or at best minimizing, jet lag:
-Eat lightly before your trip and during the flights: lots of fruit, little salt.
-Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine-filled beverages.
-Sleep if you can, or at least rest and relax with the help of a book, movie or music.
-Get up and walk around the plane every hour or two.
-Get as acclimated to your new time zone as quickly as possible. It is very important that you adhere to a light diet for the first day. Eat meals at the appropriate times for that time zone. If you arrive in sunlight get outside and be active, as it will be easier for your body to adapt to your new surroundings. Do not lie down and nap for more than 30 minutes and force yourself to stay up until 10 p.m., this will help reset your body clock to the local time. From the second day on you will feel better and will sleep your normal seven- to eight-hour cycle.
-Expose yourself to relaxing social situations, but steer clear of too much excitement and disorganization as it can worsen jet lag symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, and exhaustion.

On your return home remember to repeat the entire process.

If you observe these suggestions, stay focused and positive and keep moving, you may not feel your best, but you will return to an even keel quickly.

An added note: If you find that you have some extra disposable income this winter and need to escape our cool winter weather, remember that there are numerous bargains to warm spots in the world. You might choose exotic lands like Australia, New Zealand and countries of South America or stay closer to home for a visit to Hawaii or the Caribbean.  Disney World and the cruise companies are featuring some terrific specials too.

Melanie Chambers, CTC, is a travel consultant for Battlefield Travel in downtown Culpeper. She can be reached at 825-1393 or .