The secret to avoiding jet lag!

This is an unusual post for me. I like to keep the content relevant to the cause. I’m passionate about educating on the tourism leakage. Supporting to keep the dollar local where possible. Showcasing local businesses and communities rather than global conglomerates. Yet, so many people ask me about my secret to no jet lag so I thought I’d put pen to paper and share my secrets!

Many of us love travelling, I more than most. But the consequence of jet lag can be one that limits peoples choices on where they explore. I’ve had many conversations with friends about coming to visit us in Australia. The sad but true fact is that a lot of the time the thought of the flight and impact of jet lag puts them off.

The majority of the global population gets 2-4 weeks holiday a year. I can understand why they don’t want to spend part of their break battling jet lag. I get it, I do, but what if there was a way around it? A formula which equalled no jet lag? Would you stick to it?

Over the years I’ve mastered a formula that works for me. Everyone is different so all I can do is share with you what works for me.

My formula for no jet lag-

1. TIME – The moment you arrive at the airport change your clock. Change to the time and date of your destination, start to get into this rhythm. This may mean having a beer at 8 am in the morning because it’s 11 pm at your destination! It may mean having a coffee and breakfast if its 8 am in your destination.
2. WATER – As soon as you step foot airside make sure you have a bottle of water to take on the plane. Ensure you drink lots of water throughout the flight. Stay hydrated and yes, steer clear of the booze!
3. FOOD – I never eat plane food, I’ve experimented with this lots and I feel so much better if I don’t eat it. Stock up on fresh sandwiches, salads nuts and fruit. Eat at timings relevant to the meals you would be eating in your destination. Eg. if it’s breakfast time at your destination have an egg sandwich you bought earlier.
4. SLEEP – Try and make yourself sleep when it’s night time in your end destination. Complete your evening routine. Clean your teeth, cleanse, tone, moisturise and get into comfy clothes or pj’s. Even if you’re not asleep put an eye mask on and pretend or meditate.
5. STAY AWAKE – Try and keep awake when daytime time in your destination. Perform your morning rituals. Wash, clean your teeth, cleanse, tone, moisturise and change out of your pj’s.  Once you arrive in your destination stay awake until at least 9pm.

My top tips for no jet lag:

1. A week leading up to the flight make a list of tasks you can do on the plane. Include things like life admin, books or articles you haven’t had time to read, films to watch and games to play.
2. Take a good moisturiser and keep applying.
3. Wear flight socks please –  minimise the risk of DVT
4. Buy a neck pillow, eye mask and use lavender and ylang-ylang to get to sleep!  Carly from the Yogibunch will sort you out!

My brother disagrees with me and this is his advice.

My brother’s formula for no jet lag-

1. Nip to the Dr. and explain you are an anxious flyer and request the strongest Valium they can prescribe.
2. As soon as you get to the airport go straight to the bar and keep ordering your drink of choice. Once you hear the final call for your flight order a large G&T to wash down a few Valium while making a dash for the gate.
3. When seated press the air hostess attention button and request a couple of large G&T’s. Repeat until numb whilst watching movies.
4. When you arrive at your destination pick up some duty-free for the transfer then head straight to the pub.
5. At some point, you will probably pass out.  When you wake you will most likely have a hangover, but you won’t be jet lagged.

The choice is yours but please don’t let jet lag be the reason you don’t get to explore this incredible world! You only get one life – go out and live it!  Go enjoy other cultures and meet characters from other culture and communities!