My Top Tips for Minimising Jet Lag
It's no secret that I travel a lot. With Adam in London and friends all over the globe, I am often on planes travelling from one side of the ocean to the other.
After coming back to Sydney a few weeks ago, I am just about to head back to London and thought that this was the perfect time to share some of my tried and tested tips, tricks and travel hacks with you for minimising jet lag.
#1 Set Your Clock to the Local Time
As soon as you get on the plane, change your watch and phone time to whatever the local time is wherever you're travelling to and try to adjust to that time zone.
For example, you might be on a lunchtime flight out of Sydney, however, where you're flying to it's currently night time. Try and get some sleep and settle down like it's night time - rather than trying to follow the time zone of where you've just left.
When you arrive, try to stick to a relatively normal schedule. If you arrive in the evening, head to bed and get some rest at a normal hour - or if you arrive in the morning, try to keep yourself awake until the evening.
#2 Use Essential Oils on the Plane
I use a relaxing and calming essential oil blend on the plane to help me relax and get some sleep.
Here are some of my favourite oil blends
#3 Don't Overindulge in Alcohol on the Plane
You're excited! It's holiday time! But before you get stuck into the free alcohol on the plane, think about how you'll feel tomorrow.
Jet lag is hard enough to deal with without adding a hangover on top of it!
Hello London!
#4 Take Your Own Pillow
Whenever I travel, I always bring along my little travel pillow to make sure I'm comfortable and ready to sleep. There are so many travel pillow shapes and sizes on the market so it's important to find what works best for you. Below are some of my favourite options!
#5 Take 1Above
One of the first things I do when I get on the plane is grab a bottle of water and add my 1Above Tablet to drink. I'm not a scientist or doctor so I don't know exactly how it works (only that it does!), however, the website says;
These effervescent tablets help you fly through security with ease and can be added to a bottle of water once you are on the other side. Simply dissolve one effervescent tablet in 500mL water and enjoy the drink. Suitable for use before, during and after travel. For even better results, take 1 litre 2-3 days either side of travel (dissolving two effervescent tablets in 1L water).
- The key active ingredient Pycnogenol®, a natural bark extract, has been proven to reduce the length of jet lag by 53.8% and the severity by 61.5%. You will notice the difference.
- No Calorie Effervescent Tablets - 2 tablets make 1 litre - ideal intake 200ml per hour of travel. For best results, take before and after travel. Easy for taking through airport security.
- Supports Circulation - studies shows that 1Above's key ingredient (Pycnogenol) can help to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis DVT and reduced ankle swelling.
- Support Natural Defence & Increase Energy - 1Above combines Pycnogenol®, vitamin C, 6 B vitamins and 6 essential electrolytes to help you sure up your natural defences.
- Used by pilots, cabin crew, World #1 Women's Golfer Lydia Ko, business travellers and anyone wanting to arrive alert and ready. Also good for hangover recovery.
#6 Wear Compression Socks
They might not be the most fashionable accessory, however, they're a must when travelling! They help to improve your circulation during the avoid - easing swelling in your legs and ankles and stopping the aches and pains you might otherwise feel whilst travelling for long periods. Below are some of my favourites.
#7 Pack Healthy Snacks for the Flight
Keep some healthy snacks in your bag for when you're feeling peckish. I always travel with snacks because you never know when your flight might be delayed and when travelling from one time zone to another you'll often find yourself hungry at odd times as your body adjusts to the difference.
#8 Take Your Vitamins and Try To Stick To Your Normal Routine
Do you always take your vitamins in the morning? Brush your teeth just before going to sleep? Try to stick to your normal routine as much as you can - even when flying!
My favourite travel companions! (Minus one!)
#9 Get Some Fresh Air and Work Up a Sweat
After you land, try to get as much fresh air and sunshine as possible to help your body adjust. I also find a great workout either on the day you arrive or the next morning helps a lot as it helps to break your body out of that travelling funk!
One of my favourite things to do when I get back to Sydney is head to an F45 gym class with some friends to work up a sweat, reset my body - and probably burn off some of those holiday treats too ;)
#10 Give Yourself Some Grace
Most importantly, remember that you're not superwoman! It's normal to feel a little out of sorts after travelling across the globe!
Just don't ask me for my tips for travelling light.... that's something I don't think I'll ever be able to conquer! ;)
