This past week aboard the Costa Luminosa I sailed though the Mediterranean while experiencing a more European style of cruising. Mr. S and I have vacationed on board many cruise lines, but NONE offered the worldliness that I got to explore as I ventured to new ports with passengers and crew with a more European sensibility. I visited three countries (as well as a fourth on my way home as I stopped in Zurich to change planes) and criss-crossed time zones.
When I walked in the door at the mansion, I figured the next morning would be “business as usual.” After a good night’s sleep, I’d be sitting in the office, sorting through photos, planning articles, and responding to e-mails. When my eyes popped open at 3 am after only a few hours of sleep, I knew that the following day would be a total waste. When the second and third day I found that my body was still responding to a 6 hour time difference, I was in trouble. I hadn’t prepared myself for this jet lag. I travel OFTEN, and as I age, I find that I don’t bounce back the way that I did when I was young.
I’m determined NOT to have this happen again (since I’ll be flying across three time zones in a couple of weeks as I visit Los Angeles for the Disney Frozen Event).
How to reduce jet lag
1. Drink LOTS of water
So, maybe I shouldn’t have had those 3 little bottles of red wine. The rule of thumb is to drink 8 oz. of water for each hour of your flight, even if you’re not thirsty. Don’t forget to hydrate your skin by applying hand and facial moisturizers as well as lip balm.
2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
That cup of coffee may keep you awake when you should be napping on your flight, both that and that glass of wine you love can dehydrate you, and worsen the jet lag.
3. Try to sleep on the plane
Rather than watch the movie or gaze at the latest styles in the fashion magazine you bought at the airport, get some rest. Travel is exhausting and sleeping during your flight will help you bounce back.
4. Take melatonin
Melatonin can help set your body’s inner clock. Research has proven that taking 3 milligrams of fast-release melatonin for a few nights (when you come home) can reset your sleep/wake cycles to where they should be.
5. Get plenty of sunshine
Once home, get outside during the day. Sunlight will let your body know that it’s DAYTIME.
6. Go to bed at your “usual” bedtime
You don’t want to do what I did and end up sleeping til 2 or 3 am because you hit the pillow too early.
7. Extend your stay at an airport hotel
Rather than trying to drive home after a long flight that arrives LATE in the day, arrange to stay at an airport hotel and you’ll be refreshed for your morning commute back home.
This post was sponsored by Puritan’s Pride as part of my ambassadorship with them. I choose what I want to write about, and I love digging up and learning new things. All opinions are strictly my own.
Now I’m off to order some Melatonin from Puritan’s Pride, so that this doesn’t happen again.
Photo credit: caribb / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
