How to conquer jet lag like a PRO

After being on 20+ international flights and being on a tight schedule for travel, it has always been important for me to quickly get over a lay over.  Sometimes it can be mind over matter, sometimes it is making sure you put yourself on a sleep schedule and sometimes it is having the right essentials to get on track.  Here are some of my tricks and tips to be able to conquer you jet leg like a PRO.

How to Conquer Jet Lag like a PRO

Sleeping Essentials

1. EAR PLUGS! These are great to have in order to help you sleep.  If you have that snoring partner, can’t stand loud city noises or you are just a light sleeper in general, like myself, these will be your saving grace.  Do not forget to pack these! I forgot them one time, I regretted it like no other.
2. Eye Mask. It can be hard getting your sleep on when the plane often time has lights flickering on and off or plane windows opening or closing.  Best way to get some shut eye, is tricking your mind into thinking it is dark outside.  This will help you sleep or get some rest while flying.
3. Sleeping Aid of your choice.  I really like dream water because it helps me get the most out of my sleep. It is also TSA approved and it doesn’t make me feel groggy afterwards.  They just created a new powder formula as well so you do not have to worry about carrying the liquid version.

Tips that can help you Conquer your jet lag

1. Sleep before you fly, do not take a red eye and assume you will be able to get any sleep on the plane.  Sleeping on an airplane, let me rephrase-getting quality sleep on an airplane can be extremely difficult to do.  So make sure you get those ZzZzZzZ’s before getting onto a flight.
2. Take naps on the airplane, try to sleep on the airplane when your destination is night time. Try to stay up on the plane if your destination’s current time is day time. The whole point of this is try to adjust to the time of your destination before arrival.  If you need to take a sleep aid, use it.
   1. When you arrive at your destination and it happens to be night time, then immediately go to sleep when you arrive at your hotel.   If you arrive in the morning, you will have to do your best to keep your day busy and stay up until the time frame is your bed time.  It will be harder to adjust to the new time zone if you do not do this.  If you aren’t able to sleep, use the sleeping essentials listed above.
3. Stay on a schedule.  I don’t know about how other people feel about this, but when I return home and I am trying to get over my layover, it is easier for me to go back to work a full day or at least half a day the next day I come back from my trip. I may be a bit groggy, but the day after I will wake up refreshed. By doing this, I will be easily adjusted to the time of my destination.  Every time, I have an extra day off, it makes it harder for me to get back on a sleep schedule.  Mostly, because when I travel back home, it is usually traveling from East to West. This can be the hardest jet lag adjustments.
4. Be sure to stay hydrated.  The worst you can do is be dehydrated and tired.  Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight.
5. Eat the right kind of foods for the right time of day.  Try to do a high protein diet in the morning to keep energized throughout the day.  Try to avoid carbs in the morning because they have a tendency to make you sleepy. Save those for your evening meals/snacks to help get a good rest at night.

These are my tips on how to conquer jet lag. What tips would add to this post or what tips did you find helpful? Leave your comments below. 

DISCLAIMER: Oftentimes you will find that I’ve included links to certain hotels/tours/products/services. If you purchase anything through these links, I’ll receive a commission. It won’t cost you anything extra, but it will help keep this blog up and running.