Jet lag. It really has to be the worst – like a hangover that lasts for a week or more.
I talk about learning a lot from trial and error, and really that couldnât be more true when it comes to this subject. Iâve had some really great transitions into new timezones, and Iâve had some that take weeks or donât even really happen until I get back home – and thatâs usually been down to the little things that Iâve done to adjust (or, not). But like most of us, Iâm all good intentions for dealing with it until I get there, where naps, fries and oversized coffees get the better of me. So today, in collaboration with CLUSE watches and their ability to help us get on the right time (in style), we wanted to highlight some doâs and donât for your next trip. Follow the doâs and youâll be right as rain, stumble with the donâts and youâll extend your jet lag. Itâs up to you! đ
How To Deal With Jet Lag (The Do’s and Don’ts)
One: Watch It
Do Change. That. Watch. Changing my watch to the time zone of my destination the moment I get on the plane is a game changer (literally) – and my new marble watch from Cluse definitely helps me to get on the right time. One really important factor here is getting sleep on your flight when you should be sleeping in your destination. That kick starts the whole change up. Travelling East to West is the worst so get yourself ready for it. And then when you get to your destination just completely forget about what time it is in the timezone youâve come from. Donât even think about it!
Donât Ok so for those of you who just canât let go of whatâs happening in your usual time zone, I would definitely suggest keeping all clocks – that is your watch, your phone and your lap top – on the time zone from which you originated. I mean, if itâs three in the morning and your boyfriendâs going to be asleep you deserve to know about it right? It helps as a reminder of how terribly tired you should be feeling right now….
Two: Plate Up
Do Focus on eating yummy, healthy whole foods when you touch down – youâll have been eating plane food for long enough! But youâre probably going to want to treat yourself, so thereâs no need to break any records when it comes to food – yogurt, some guacamole and corn chips is the type of treat I love to eat when Iâm jet lagged, and something spicy to get the metabolism going.
Donât Eat all the fried stuff. I mean, youâre definitely going to want to, and it might feel good for the first five minutes. But then thatâs just going to be another factor that will make you feel sick. That said, itâs about finding a balance between healthy yummy food that makes feel satisfied whilst not being junk. You can do it!
Three: Snooze fest
Do Aim to get through that first day and hit the hay early. If you wake up during the night, try not to get frustrated, instead pick up a book and read for a little bit which should help tire out your eyes. Avoid getting on your phone and doing a good olâ scroll – your brain is going to think itâs midday. I also take Melatonin (the pill form of a sleep chemical in the brain), and it helps to regulate your sleep cycles.
Donât Nap. Really I know itâs hard but napping often ends up turning into a longer sleep and before you know it youâve slept half the day. The aim is to get through the day and be super tired come night. And if you wake up in the middle of the night? Donât whatever you do resort to taking sleeping tablets, which force you to sleep without your body being naturally tired. I did a good job of extending my jet lag to a whole week doing this a little while ago!
Four: Hydrate
Do Drink as much water as you can handle…. before during and after your flight because dehydration makes jet lag symptoms much much worse (refer to hangover). Youâre also going to need some coffee to get you through those dire hours where you feel like your eyeballs are on stalks, fust donât overdo the caffeine because youâll end up keeping yourself up too late which is not what you want at all.
Donât Drink too much wine/beer/margaritas in the hope of forgetting all your timezone problems. Iâve done this a few times and not only has it been the type of hangover one remembers for years to come, it has definitely made my jet lag last much longer. Oh and think drinking will help you get to sleep? Wrong. It works for the first hour or so then youâll be sure to wake up in the middle of the night feeling worse than ever.
Five: Work it out
Do Get outside and get some exercise, even if itâs just a light walk. You want to get your blood pumping and help to tire you out. A swim in the ocean or a pool is absolutely ideal. Trust me.
Donât Youâll probably be too tired to get exercise or even bother going outside, so the best idea is to stay in the hotel and watch CSI reruns until you eventually fall asleep at 2 in the afternoon. Ok?
Six: Sunâs out
Do Lastly, and actually most importantly, get some sunshine! Itâs the surest way to get your internal body clock onto the right time. An hour laying/sitting out in the sun will do more for you than anything else. No sun? Even just getting outside on the fresh air will help.
Donât Stay under the covers at home hoping that youâll magically feel better. Sadly it doesnât work like that and youâll find what could have been a bad day of jet lag turns into a bad week.
Guys I’m not usually one for crazy stage beauty products but I’ve fallen for those Verso eye masks, kinda pricey so I just use them on the plane and when I’m jet lagged… They keep your eye area sooo cool, I’m addicted.
Photos by Bryant Lee & Illustrations by Annie Huang. This post is in collaboration with Cluse Watches.