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Bouncing Back From Jet Lag

Hey Friends!

I hope your holidays are super spectacular so far!

While some may be decking the halls at home, many people will be flying cross country or internationally visiting family and friends over the next few weeks. According to AAA, air travel will increase to 5.7 million Americans this year. 

As if stress and busyness were not already competing for top dog, JET LAG will be running a close third, biting at the heels of our post-holiday excursions. 

What is jet lag anyway?

It’s “that thing” that happens with the disruption of our body clocks—our sleeping and waking cycle. We feel tired, foggy, and get annoyed easily. It can affect our appetites; some eat more, some less. To sum it up, we feel pretty awful for a few days.

With all the traveling I do, I can’t afford to let jet lag win. I know you can’t either, so here are a few things you can do in advance of your travel dates to minimize the affects.

Train Your Body Clock 

Travel between time zones isn’t the problem. It’s acclimating to the new time zone that rocks our biological boats. For instance, if you live in California and plan a trip back east, you’re looking at a three-hour time difference. 

There’s nothing worse than being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed while everyone else is going to sleep. It might be 11:30pm in Boston, but your body clock says it’s 8:30pm. 

A week or so before your trip, start getting up an hour or so earlier and going to bed earlier. Even that single hour will make a difference. 

Stay Hydrated 

Be sure to drink at least 8 ounces of water (coffee and vodka don’t count) for every hour you plan to be in flight. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, keep drinking. Pack TSA compliant hand lotion and lip balm and use them. 

Now, about that coffee and vodka….

If you really want to avoid jet lag, avoid BOTH for 12 hours prior to your flight. Yeah, no kidding. They will both dehydrate you. 

Go Outside 

Spend time in the sunlight. It will help to orient your body clock to the new cycle during your trip. The vitamin D is also good for your immune system. 

Do all of these things AGAIN before you travel home.

You’ll also benefit before, during and after your trip by diffusing essential oils that are energizing and enlightening. I’d personally choose Citrus Bliss, Wild Orange, Bergamot, Peppermint and Eucalyptus. Before going to bed I choose Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Sweet Marjoram. 

Diffuse the oils or rub into your palms and inhale. 

An ounce of prevention REALLY IS better than a pound of cure. Boosting your immune system and following some of the guidelines above will help you beat jet lag.

Come on, we all play too hard from time to time, right?  

Here are a few recipes to help you strengthen your reserves in case you throw all of this advice out the window and opt for a hellacious good time.   

XO

Hayley

 


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