Experts say jet lag can occur when you cross as little as 2 time zones. Jet lag can really put a damper on your first few days in a new country. We’ve crossed more time zones in the past few years than I want to count and we’ve found these 5 tips on how to beat jet lag.
How to Beat Jet Lag – Tip 1: Stay Awake
The most common side effect of jet lag is the trip ruining fatigue that we all know so well. According to the Mayo Clinic on jet lag – “crossing multiple time zones puts your internal clock or circadian rhythms, which regulate your sleep-wake cycle, out of sync with the time in your new locale”.
The best way we’ve found on how to beat jet lag is to immediately get yourself on to the new time zone. The best way to do this is to stay up until a normal bedtime in the new time zone. Push through the tiredness and stay up until at least 9 p.m. or later if you can. I often lie in bed and play games on my phone until I pass out. The next morning you’ll be a long way toward being properly adjusted. Sometimes it’s just not possible to stay up the entire day after international flights. In the case of an early morning arrival, take a nap in the afternoon and then stay up until a normal bedtime.
How to Beat Jet Lag – Tip 2: Keep Hydrated 
Airplanes are notoriously dry. Add to that beverage carts handing out wine and coffee can be a recipe for dehydration. Ask for a water every time the cart goes past to stay hydrated. Dehydration can amplify the symptoms of jet lag and make the first days of your trip miserable.
How to Beat Jet Lag – Tip 3: Drink Tart Cherry Juice
Jet lag is really all about sleep schedule. Sure there are a few other side effects, but it all comes down to your sleep timing being off. Recent studies have shown the benefits that drinking tart cherry juice can have on sleep. Two servings per day can have a big impact on your sleep. Tart cherries are one of few natural sources of melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone. While traveling, pack cherry concentrate from Montmorency tart cherries to help avoid trip crushing jet lag.
No travel plans in the near future? You can even experience a feeling similar to jet lag when the clocks fall back, which is coming up sooner than you think. Eating melatonin-rich foods might help you transition quicker after the time change.
How to Beat Jet Lag – Tip 4: Get Moving
Hit the ground running in your new destination. A walk around your new city will get your blood flowing and re-regulate your body. The stimulation from new sites and sounds should be enough to keep you awake until a decent hour to help you adjust. A bonus of forcing yourself out is you will make better use of your first day and get an idea of what you want to explore the next few days. If you are really tired from your flight don’t rush right over to a main attraction of the city. Don’t even bother with a map, just go out and explore. The sense of adventure with boost your adrenaline and help you beat jet lag.
How to Beat Jet Lag – Tip 5: Feel the Sunshine
The biggest factor in your body’s sleep schedule is the sun. Make sure you get out into the sunshine early in your trip to tell your body it’s daytime in your new local. Doing this should speed up the process of getting your body on to the new time zone. The sun also provides vitamins that can help easy the other symptoms associated with jet lag.
– These tips on how to beat jet lag were brought to you by the Cherry Marketing Institute. –
Amy (Two Drifters)
Thursday 29th of October 2015
Great tips! I agree about getting on the new time zone immediately. That really helps me. Have never heard of the tart cherry juice, tho. Sounds helpful AND delicious! :D