Jet lag is an unavoidable reality when traveling on long haul flights. So instead of suffering for days, try my tips on recovering from jet lag quickly and enjoying your new destination.

Set your watch to your destination time as soon as you board the plane.

When flying long haul there can be a real limbo as to which timezone you should set your routine to. Many people continue to live in accordance with the timezone they just departed, and upon landing the associated time shift is a shocking jolt to their system. Instead, as soon as you sit in your seat, change your watch and your behaviour to the destination timezone. There is no point in living in the past, and adjusting to the new timezone as soon as possible will be far more beneficial. Regardless of what is happening with the sun whilst your on the flight, if your destination is enjoying daytime hours, watch a movie, stay awake and enjoy a meal. Similarly if it’s the middle of the night in your destination, relax with some music and try to nap.

Eat meals according to your destination’s time.

Just because food is being delivered to you doesn’t mean you have to eat it. Your digestive tract will feel so much better if you haven’t filled it with a huge amount of food and whilst not really moving for 10+ hours.

As a diabetic I often struggle with meal adjustment times, insulin doses and my sugar levels. I find deliberately eating on board according to my destination’s timezone forces my body to adjust whilst I am living very passively. Sitting in a plane seat is not exactly an energetic way to spend a day, therefore my hunger levels and energy needs are naturally decreased and I adjust my eating accordingly.

Make sure you are awake and moving an hour before the flight lands.

Upon arrival at your destination your brain needs to be active and firing. Collecting luggage, finding shuttle buses, taxis and accommodation can be difficult in a new destination when you’re tired. So an hour before the flight lands get yourself moving. If you have changed into more comfortable traveling clothes, put your street clothes back on. Brush your teeth, your hair, splash some water on your face and refresh yourself as much as possible. Ensure that as soon as your flight lands your mind is clear, your blood is moving and you’re ready to go.

Once at your destination spend as much time outside in the sunshine as possible.

If it is night when you land, obviously the best thing for you do is head for the closest bed. But if you have arrived at your destination in the morning and are feeling pretty sluggish, try to spend as much of the day as possible out in the sun. Sunshine and Vitamin D have a positive effect on the body and are a fantastic treatment for jet lag. You don’t have a do a lot with your time. One of my favourite ways of enjoying a new city when I first arrive is to take my kindle and lie in a park. I can relax in the sun without overdoing it, allow my body to adjust and enjoy my new location.

Do not nap.

This is my biggest tip of all. Do not nap! Taking random naps during the first few days will dramatically delay your jet lag recovery. The best thing you can do is to live in the new timezone as normally as possible. However I know that sometimes you just can’t keep your eyes open, you have a headache and all you want to do is sleep. If this is the case and you must nap, make it short. Set your alarm for an hour, and then a second one for 5 minutes later and make sure that you get up. It will be difficult but your body will absolutely thank you the next day.

Feature image credit: Williamson