Jet Lag takes over travellers like a ghost, stealing their energy in the wee hours of travel. Jet Lag is the disorienting affect caused by jumping time zones faster than the body can physically adjust to. Changes in exposure to daylight, sleeping patterns and cultural shifts upon arrival all contribute to the negative affects of jet lag. Read on to learn how travelling pros cope effectively with jet lag.

Stay Healthy

Do everything you can to stay healthy before and during a trip. Eat extra fruits and vegetables, drink more water and reduce caffeine intake. A depressed immune system allows the effects of jet lag to hit even harder.

Travel in Comfortable Clothing

Making yourself comfortable for a flight, wearing loose clothing and having travel accessories like neck pillows is important to obtaining as much normal rest as possible in flight. If you can sleep on your flight, adjustment to a new time zone will be easier.

Stretch and Exercise During Travel

If it is a long flight, get up and walk around. Stretch and get your blood moving so that no part of your body is deprived of oxygen carrying blood. Movement during travel keeps the body alert which makes adjustment to your new time zone smoother.

If you have a layover, try to get some exercise by walking the terminal. Exercise will also make it easier to sleep on your next leg of travel.

Arrange Your Travel Plan to Mimic Your Normal Sleeping Hours

If at all possible, try and take night flights so that you can sleep your normal hours. Arriving to your destination in the AM of the new time zone will also make adjustment easier. Instead of throwing you off into a night of wakefulness, this will allow you to have a long day and get on track by going to sleep at your normal time in the new time zone.

Find the Sun

Once you reach your destination, allow yourself time in natural sunlight. Natural sunlight triggers the body's circadian rhythm by communicating waking and sleeping hours through the senses. If sunlight is not an option, try using bright lights or sun lamps that give off some of the nutrients of natural light.

Match Your Sleeping Hours to the New Time Zone

Once you've reached your destination combat jet lag by matching your sleeping patterns to the new time zone. If it is night time and you can't sleep, try using a sleeping mask and soft music to encourage rest for your body and mind.

If it is daylight in your new time zone but bedtime back home, do your best to delay sleep by exercising, exposing yourself to cold air and socializing until bedtime. Chances are that when you delay sleep and go to bed at the normal time for the new time zone you will wake up refreshed and right on track.

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