5 Ways To Combat Jet Lag

5 Ways To Combat Jet Lag

We're only a few months in on 2015 but chances are if you enjoy travelling across the globe, you've probably already booked that week-long holiday you look forward to each year.

What you're not looking forward to though, is that unpleasant long haul flight and the jet lag that comes after…

'Jet lag' is a feeling of drowsiness and lethargy experienced after a long aircraft journey. Your body clock controls your sleeping and waking pattern and is set to your local time so that you are hungry in the morning and sleepy in the evening. When travelling across time zones, it can take some time for your body clock to adjust to a new daily routine.

Jet lag is now considered such an issue among long haul fliers that British Airways have worked on putting together a Jet Lag advisor in an attempt to tackle the problem.

Whilst it's hard to actually beat jet lag once it's taken hold there are however ways you can take to the lessen the effects. Pay heed to these 5 golden rules and you won't go wrong.

• Set Up A New Daily Routine. Embrace the new. Eat and rest at the times people do in the country you are travelling to, not at the time you usually eat and sleep at when at home.
• Arrange A Stopover. If possible attempt a stopover on your journey to let your body adjust to the new time zone. A change of scenery also breaks up the monotony of a flight that takes several hours.
• Enjoy A Drink. But don't touch the alcohol. Be sure to be well hydrated before your flight and drink lots of fluid throughout the duration of your flight.
• Medicate Wisely. Sleeping tablets are not advised, as it won't allow your body to adjust naturally to new sleeping patterns.
• Remain Calm. Worrying only makes jet lag worse. So the little things like pre-booking parking in advance and checking in online will help to keep stress levels down.