Five Ways to Beat Jet Lag

Jet lag can mar a business trip or holiday, leaving you feeling tired & lacking concentration. There are lots more side-effects of travelling to different time zones, some of them so unpleasant they are likely to disrupt your trip. Common side-effects of air travel include memory problems, tummy upsets & loss of appetite. Of course, not everyone who takes a plane suffers from jet lag, & those who do can be affected in different ways & to varying degrees.

Knowing how to combat jet lag starts with understanding what causes it. Everyone’s body clock is set by routine. That includes patterns of eating, sleeping & periods of activity. Together, these circadian rhythms help you function. Flying disrupts your regular routine, throwing your body into a state of confusion.

At JetClass, we understand that some air travellers worry about jet lag. That is why we have produced this mini-guide to beating it. These tips will help you avoid feeling under the weather, allowing you to make the most of your trip.

1. Map your journey

Consider the time zone you are travelling to. Is it going to be daytime when you arrive? If the answer is yes, try not to sleep during your flight. Keep yourself busy with work or games. When you arrive, enjoy the day & go to bed at night. This simple way to ease yourself into a new time zone will ensure you wake up feeling refreshed on your first day away. Some people find it useful to switch their routine to match the time zone they are travelling to two to three days in advance. Of course, if it is going to be the middle of the night when you arrive at your destination, try to sleep during your flight.

2. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol has a negative impact on the body during air travel. It can prevent you from enjoying a proper sleep & leave you feeling hungover & lethargic. It is worth remembering that alcohol is more potent if consumed in the air. It can severely dehydrate the body & even cause breathing problems for those with sleep disorders. Don’t be tempted to drink booze. Instead hydrate your body with water or pure fruit juice.

3. Forget coffee & chocolate

Caffeine inhibits sleep & can stay in the body for many hours after consumption. That is why doctors advise those taking flights to avoid coffee & chocolate. Caffeine should be removed from your diet at least on the day of travel & preferably 24 hours in advance. It is worth bearing in mind that many ‘decaffeinated’ products still contain traces of caffeine. If you are not sure, don’t take the risk.

4. Remember to rest

Arriving for your flight feeling relaxed is important. It will help you either stay awake or sleep, depending on the time zone you are travelling to. You can help yourself arrive at the airport feeling refreshed by getting someone else to drive you there. Take a taxi or ask a friend or colleague to give you a lift.

5. Enjoy your trip

If you have prepared yourself for your journey, you should arrive at your destination ready to start making the most of your trip. Get out & about if there is still daylight, so you don’t lose precious time away.

One of the best ways to avoid jet lag is to plan a hassle-free start to your journey. JetClass can help you achieve this – with a flight on a scheduled private jet. Forget the rigmarole of negotiating overcrowded departure lounges & other drawbacks of standard air travel. With destinations across Europe, you can enjoy a relaxing start to a business trip or weekend away.