Taking a journey to another country is thrilling. The final thing any traveller wants is to spend their opening days fighting against jet lag. Extended international flights can be particularly challenging to overcome quickly. Cabins are cramped and cramped. The passenger seated in 28A needs to head to the restroom every couple of hours whilst you're attempting to catch some rest. If you're similar to me, a budget doesn't stretch to business class tickets on long-distance flights (barring some fortunate circumstance where I've managed to secure a complimentary upgrade).
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After plenty of trial and error, so much error, I've finally cracked the code on jet lag. I now have it down to a routine science. Previously, I'd go several days without sleep, take a couple of sleeping pills, and hope for the best. This NEVER worked for me. Relaxing in an economy seat when you're 5'10" isn't the simplest thing. Through years of travel, I've gradually started to discover ways to make the journey less unpleasant.
STEP 1: Stay Awake!
This may appear contradictory at first glance, but it's actually quite effective! Aligning your body clock with the destination time zone is crucial for managing jet lag. My biggest challenge is staying alert throughout the initial 4 hours after departure. Most of my journeys from Australia to the US depart near midnight, when I'm typically exhausted. However, I need to remain conscious so I can rest during the appropriate hours for my destination time zone. Here are a couple of strategies I employ:
STEP 2: Spa de Aeroplane
1. Watch a movie or a tv show.
2. Write a blog post or edit photos.
3. Aeroplane spa day (See Step 2).
4. Hold off on eating since wine...obviously!
These things all help extend my wakefulness a bit longer and render sleep considerably more enchanting. 
Think I'm bonkers? Judge me all you want. But I absolutely WILL make the best of my 14-hour plane ordeal. That means looking after myself. My skin deteriorates something awful during flights, I'm certain of it. I'll disembark with more wrinkles than a parched riverbed. It's not attractive and leaves me looking knackered even when I've had plenty of sleep.
So I invented Aeroplane Spa Ritual. PAMPER YOURSELF! I always pack: an essential oil (my current go-to is this brilliant restful sleep oil), a facial treatment sheet, and deeply nourishing moisturiser. I enjoy soaking the essential oil into a pair of hydrating socks and allowing my feet to revitalise and my system to refresh during the journey. Pure bliss! Also….consume loads of water!!!
So I invented Aeroplane Spa Ritual. PAMPER YOURSELF! I always pack: an essential oil (my current go-to is this brilliant restful sleep oil), a facial treatment sheet, and deeply nourishing moisturiser. I enjoy soaking the essential oil into a pair of hydrating socks and allowing my feet to revitalise and my system to refresh during the journey. Pure bliss! Also….consume loads of water!!!
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| Pamper Yourself In-Flight Edition! |
STEP 3: The Vitamin Kick
I've genuinely attempted every conceivable remedy. Sleep deprivation, melatonin supplements, prescription sleeping tablets, anti-anxiety medications, and everything in between—absolutely none of it helped me! None whatsoever! I'd genuinely come to terms with the reality that jet lag would inevitably become a significant component of any getaway.
I've discovered several methods to counteract jet lag using vitamins! Most importantly, maintaining proper hydration is essential. Air travel extracts considerable moisture from your skin and leaves you dehydrated. Dehydration is a guaranteed way to suffer from jet lag. I always pack Hydraltye or Nuun because they're available in a handy compact container that I don't have to worry about removing at security.
Secondly, I consistently bring along either a potent multivitamin or a B-Complex vitamin. This supports optimal bodily function throughout the day. When absolutely necessary, I'll pack an endurance gel. I typically reserve these for my Spartan races, yet occasionally you need that extra boost to push through.
It may not be the most comfortable rest or wellness break, but honestly, it makes such a difference! I used to feel quite embarrassed by the stares I'd receive when I put on a face mask. These days, I simply don't mind. Spending 14 hours in economy class is hardly enjoyable, so why should I worry about what people think if I'm making those 14 hours feel a bit better? I've tried this approach numerous times, and on each occasion I manage to make the most of my time away. Try it out the next time you head overseas and tell me whether it helps you too!I've discovered several methods to counteract jet lag using vitamins! Most importantly, maintaining proper hydration is essential. Air travel extracts considerable moisture from your skin and leaves you dehydrated. Dehydration is a guaranteed way to suffer from jet lag. I always pack Hydraltye or Nuun because they're available in a handy compact container that I don't have to worry about removing at security.
Secondly, I consistently bring along either a potent multivitamin or a B-Complex vitamin. This supports optimal bodily function throughout the day. When absolutely necessary, I'll pack an endurance gel. I typically reserve these for my Spartan races, yet occasionally you need that extra boost to push through.
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Have you got other ways to beat jet lag? Tell us what works for you below!
Until we meet again...
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