This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Tips for How to Beat Jet Lag and Stress

Air Travel Tips to beat Jet Lag

After deciding which itinerary and date your river cruise travel will commence, it is time to select a flight.  Air travel can be very tiresome, however if you are equipped with the right tools and information, you can make your flights less stressful and more enjoyable.  Here are some things I do when I fly that you may find helpful.

  • When booking your flights, make sure you have enough time between connections to transfer from one flight to another, keeping in mind that flights are often late arriving for connections; you'll save yourself worry, effort and expense if you allow plenty of time for every flight.  Also on re-entry into the U.S. to clear customs, consider possible long lines as well as claiming your luggage and rechecking it when scheduling your connecting flight. 
  • Be sure to carry your passport, boarding pass and a copy of your e-ticket as proof of your ticket purchase. Checking in online 24 hours before your flight will save you time upon arriving at the airport and secure your seat assignments.
  • To help you adjust to new time zones, just after take-off, set your watch to the time zone of your destination.  For flights arriving in the morning, try to sleep on board the plane. Bring a travel neck pillow, blanket, eye mask and ear plugs, since airlines often charge a fee for these items.
  • To alleviate pressure in your ears due to altitude changes, swallow, yawn, chew gum, or try blowing your nose.
  • Loose fitting clothing is recommended. Wear comfortable shoes and try not to take them off, as feet occasionally swell during long flights.
  • When possible, walk up and down the aisle to stretch your limbs and get your blood circulating.  Occasionally rest your feet on your hand luggage to avoid having the seat press against the back of your legs.  Do the exercises recommended by the airline in the book on the seat back in front of you to help prevent blood clotting.
  • Drink lots of water; carry on your own so you have plenty on hand.  Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.  Eat light meals while flying. (I pack my own snack of fresh or dried fruit, veggie sticks and nuts)
  • Avoid wearing contact lenses in flight since cabin air will dry them out.
  • Apply moisturizer to your face and hands, or spray your face with water from an atomizer to avoid dry skin and to help you feel refreshed just before arriving to your destination.  
  • If you arrive at your destination in the morning or afternoon, try to stay awake until evening, turn in earlier than you usually would, and when you awaken the next day your body clock will be adjusted to the time zone you are in.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Mehlville-Oakville