Traveling is indeed fun and exciting, especially when you do it together with your loved ones. When you travel, you get to experience the things that you've never done before: visiting the places you've never been to, discovering rich cultures, and making unique and thrilling adventures. Traveling gives many benefits, but it also comes with not-so-good things such as jet lag which might ruin your experience. So if you're traveling soon, whether in a nearby state or out of the country, it is essential to learn how to beat jet lag.

Jet Lag: The Time Zone Change Syndrome

Before learning how to beat jet lag, it is vital to understand what it is. What is jet lag? Why do you experience it when traveling?

Jet lag is considered a type of fatigue that anyone can experience. It is caused by traveling across different time zones. This is why it is also called "time zone change syndrome." For example, suppose you are following the time in California, and you are flying to a faraway state; it is possible that you need to observe another time zone. Traveling to another time zone can disrupt your circadian rhythm, referring to the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Although there is no cure for jet lag, there are different ways on how to overcome it.

Tips on How to Beat Jet Lag

If you love traveling, here is something to remind yourself to beat jet lag.

Familiarize yourself with the jet lag symptoms.

You'll never know what to do if you don't know what jet lag is or you don't know what it feels like. If you’ve never experienced it before, here are some of the jet lag symptoms:

• - Apathy
• - Digestive upsets
• - Fatigue
• - Impaired judgment and decision making
• - Irritability
• - Memory lapses
• - Sleepiness

Adjust to your new time zone as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Once you arrive at your destination, make sure to set your clock and adjust it based on the new time zone. This way, you'll avoid being confused with time. Besides, you need to follow the new time so that you won't skip your meals.

Manage your sleep time.

Lack of sleep causes jet lag, so make sure to take a good rest while still on your trip. If you find it challenging to sleep while on board, you may use the following and try if these things can help you:

• - Comfortable travel pillows and blankets
• - Earplugs
• - Eye masks
• - Noise-canceling headphones
• - White noise

Stay hydrated.

Take note that long-distance travel can cause dehydration. Therefore, make sure to stay hydrated to manage jet lag symptoms and travel fatigue easily. If allowed, you may carry an empty water bottle then fill it up once you're in the terminal. If bringing your water bottle is not allowed in the airport, you can purchase water in the terminal or request it in flight. Don't forget to drink water even if you have arrived at your destination.

Use medications.

If any of the above doesn't work, seeking professional help is recommended. There are certain kinds of medications that can help you in overcoming jet lag. Make sure to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before taking them.

It is inevitable for most people to experience jet lag, especially when traveling to a new time zone. The good news is there are different ways on how to overcome it, from staying hydrated to having enough rest. If you are traveling soon, don't let jet lag ruin your memorable trip. Instead, follow the tips above and create more meaningful adventures with your loved ones.