Time Zoning to Avoid Jet Lag By John Ayo

While it can be very exciting to travel to destinations half way around the world to run an event, the impact of changes in time zones can be quite challenging for the body. For some people, just a one-hour shift in time (e.g. daylight savings time twice a year) can throw the body’s clock off for a week. 

The effects of jet lag can really alter your plans to get everything under control for your event well in advance. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you have probably not experienced serious jet lag. The most common symptoms include fatigue, confusion, and lack of awareness . . . not to mention drowsiness. For some people, these symptoms can last for several days or longer, so anything you do to lessen these effects is going to be a good thing for you and the success of your event. 

Here are several strategies you can use to help you adjust once you begin your trip:

Set to your destination time zone immediately

If you are traveling from Chicago to London and that flight departs around 6:00 PM and arrives in London around 8:00 AM the next morning, the first thing you’ll want to do when you get on the plane (literally when you step on it) is tell your mind that it is now six hours later. So, if you board at 5:30 PM, you will completely change your mindset to believe that it’s 11:30 PM. Part of the challenge with this is that most international flights like to show the time of your departure and arrival city on the airplane monitors. Don’t look at those and just completely imagine that you are on London time. Set your cell phone to London time and use that to keep track of your journey while you’re in the air.

Hydration

Drinking LOTS of filtered water is foundational to good health in general, even more so when traveling. Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of jet lag, so you will want to drink as much water as you possibly can before, during AND after your flight. I recommend that you purchase a bottle of water after clearing security that you can have it with you to drink throughout the flight.

Stay Awake

One of the big mistakes travelers make is taking a quick nap (which can go longer than you want) when they arrive at their destination. It’s fine to take a one-hour nap if you arrive at your hotel before 11:00 AM. If you arrive after that though, it’s important that you stay awake until 9:00 PM (local time) the first two nights.

Earthing

One of the best ways to synch your body to the destination time zone is to get bare feet on earth in that destination. This can be challenging if you are in a big city, but if you can find a park, and walk around barefoot for just 20 minutes, it will help your body reduce jet lag. The main way it does this is by helping your body to release the static charge that gets built up while on the airplane, which allows your cells to recharge with energy.

Wishing you happy times on the road!

About John Ayo - Chief Balancing Officer:

John Ayo is an Internationally recognized keynote speaker, wellness expert (Naturopath) and author. He delivers his content on staying healthy and sane in a crazy world (especially when you travel) via presentations and workshops for Association and Corporate events. www.TravelBalance.net