Crossing time zones confuses the body's clock because it not only it has to adjust to a new time, but it also has to adjust to new patterns of light and activity. To make matters worse, not all body functions adjust at the same rate. For instance, your sleep/wake cycle might adjust more quickly to the new time zone than your digestion, which may may be on yet another schedule. Confusing the clock like this causes the mental and physical upset we call jet lag. Avoiding or at least minimizing jet lag will make your trip (and the return) a much more enjoyable experience.

These 5 easy tips will show you how to avoid jet lag on long flights.

Stay Hydrated- Keeping hydrated is one of the most important parts of avoiding jet lag. The humidity in the aircraft hovers around 15%. That is drier than most deserts. Drinking 8 oz. every hour only replaces the cup of water you're losing from your skin surface. The Rule of thumb: Drink even if you don't feel thirsty. Unless you're flying first class, bring a few of your own bottles of water on board with you. You may have to pay the inflated airport concourse price for them but you will be assured that you have ample amounts fresh water available to you throughout your flight.
Avoid Alcohol - Because of altitude, pressurization and dehydration, one drink during your flight has the alcoholic equivalent of nearly two and a half on the ground. Not to mention that alcohol affects the body clock by not giving you a full and refreshing sleep.
Begin adjusting to the new time zone BEFORE you take off. Once on board the plane, immediately adjust your watch to you destination's time. For example, let's say that you are flying from Bangkok to Paris, then when you board the plane you should set your clock to Paris time and try not to sleep until it is close to sleeping time in Paris.
Eat sensibly on the flight- Only eat if you are hungry and not just because you are bored. Light meals, or even better yet, healthy meal choices and snacks that you've brought on board will digest better than the reheated, twice cooked food found on most coach flights. Going back to Tip #3, adjust your meal schedule to the destination time zone once you are onboard.
Do Not Sleep or Nap Once You Land - This is the most important, if not the most difficult rule to adhere to. Stay up until at least 11 p.m. local time. If you give in to the temptation to take that 4 p.m. nap, no one will see you for three days - and that includes YOU! You will never adjust. Almost inevitably, you'll feel sleepy around 2 p.m. on the first arrival day. Don't eat a heavy meal. Stand up. Take a walk. Get some fresh air and sunlight, but do not take that nap. You will probably average about five hours of sleep. But the second night, again staying up until 11 p.m., you will sleep your normal cycle.

There are over-the-counter, homeopathic remedies to relieve jet lag (see below). Some people swear by them, others don't find them effective. Since they are inexpensive and easy to pack, it may be helpful to bring them along just in case. There is nothing more frustrating than missing out on the first day or two of your trip because you were too exhausted and jet lagged to get out and enjoy your new surroundings. Travel smart, follow these simple guidelines, and you'll be able to adjust quickly to your destination's local time!

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