Ain't Nobody Got Time for Jetlag

Traveling the world = incredible

Having your sleep system all out of whack = not incredible

If you've ever crossed time zones in the pursuit of wanderlust, then you might (unfortunately) be familiar with the tossing and turning at 3AM and being ready for a nap at noon while abroad. Jet lag seriously sucks and can get in the way of enjoying a vacation to its fullest.

Today I'm sharing my 10 secrets for finding some jetlag relief on your next adventure!

It probably goes without saying, but your body has an internal clock adjusted to your normal sleep schedule. When you travel to a different time zone, your body is basically like WHOAAAAA what's going on? If you work on adjusting your internal clock before departing, you can minimize the feelings of jetlag while abroad. Start going about your day-to-day with your destination in mind. Stay up later or wake up earlier to simulate your future sleep schedule.

If you're struggling to get the sleep you need when you first arrive, try some melatonin before bed. Melatonin is a hormone that aids your body with sleep. Taking a supplement can help you fall or stay asleep - WINNING. Use this only temporarily, though, as your body can quickly adapt. I prefer melatonin over sleeping medications as it leaves me feeling less "fuzzy" the next morning.

Long haul flights abroad can leave you feeling drained or sore - sitting in economy for hours on end is far from relaxing. Try hitting the spa upon arrival to unwind and recharge. Not only can a massage relax achy muscles, it can improve your circulation and help your body reset. Your body will feel more balanced and restored after a quick spa session - and what better way to kick off a vacation?

It's tempting to collapse into bed and take a quick nap upon arrival. RESIST! You'll wake up feeling groggy and this will only prevent your body from adjusting to the new time zone. Instead, drink some water and start exploring! Spending time in the sunshine and moving around will help you feel refreshed. Do your best to stay awake until it's a reasonable time to go to bed - it'll be worth it in the long run!

Your body's internal clock is largely ruled by when you eat your meals. If you disrupt your eating times, you'll have more luck switching up your sleep schedule. In the day or two before you leave, and especially on the plane, try to eat around the times you will at your destination. Sync your meals = sync your sleep.

When it's 2am abroad but feels like 6pm at home, sleep can seem impossible. Be sneaky and trick your body into feeling ready for bed. Manipulate your environment by turning the thermostat down and making the room as dark as possible. Earplugs or a white noise app can also help make sleep possible. This also works in the reverse - if you're struggling to stay awake, stay in the sun and keep moving about.

Certain foods can help you feel more restful. Salmon, goji berries, ginger tea, and cherries are perfect to indulge in an hour or two before bed to promote sleep. Loading up on carbs might seem like a good way to trigger a food coma, but that'll actually turn into tons of energy as you digest. Save the oatmeal and bananas for when you need a pick-me-up, like during breakfast at your destination.

If you're struggling to keep your eyes open upon arrival, go scout out the pool. A quick and natural trick to wake your body up can be as simple as dipping in different temperature waters. Hang out in the hot tub for 12-20 minutes, then dive into the cooler pool for a few minutes. Repeat once or twice - the cold therapy will magically revive you. If you don't have a pool or hot tub, or the time, try a quick cold shower to wake you right up.

Switching up your skincare routine can help you feel more alert - and it's easy to do while you're still on the plane. Under-eye patches or masks are perfect for perking up tired eyes. Jade rollers can increase blood flow to your face and products containing caffeine also provide a little pick-me-up. Baggy eyes and dried out skin are common when flying - combating it can make you feel a bit more human.

At the end of the day, jet lag will fade as your body adjusts. While you can use the tricks above to speed up the process, it really just takes time. To enjoy your trip fully, try to combat jetlag symptoms while you adjust your sleep cycle. Headaches, tummy troubles, and dehydration are all common side effects. Pop an OTC pain killer to ease tension, drink peppermint tea and avoid spicy foods to calm your stomach, and drink plenty of water to feel your best.

Do you have any jetlag tips? Feeling like a zombie upon arrival is definitely not the way to kick off a trip. Using these tricks will help you hit the ground running - and sleep like a baby - for your next far-off vacation!

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