After

After
what felt like an endless plane journey you arrive at your
destination only to feel tired, confused, irritated and bloated.
And no, this is not a hangover (unless you spent the flight
stalking the drinks trolley), this is a case of the dreaded jet
lag.

Having journeyed the NYC to LDN route many a time, I have now
become accustomed to transitioning from one time zone to another.
Fellow travellers out there, listen carefully and follow suit,
you’re next trip may even be jet-lag free.

STEP 1: Tupperware time. Airplane food (and
airport for that matter) should be avoided like the plague –
microwaved and salt-laden, it does nothing for the digestive
system. Instead, make homemade snacks and mini meals to take
onboard. Safe choices include: raw nuts, bananas, chopped
vegetables or quinoa with edamame beans and chicken breast. Not so
safe options include: yogurt over 100ml (I have had mine
confiscated), boiled eggs (they cause quite a stink) and garlic
(I’m thinking of your neighbour).

STEP 2: Rehydrate. Knocking back a gin and
tonic or two is tempting but it’s really not a wise move. Do this
and you’ll be left not only looking dull but feeling it too. Planes
are dehydrating enough so make sure your drink of choice is H2O and
H2O only. Trust me, you’ll disembark glowing inside and out.

STEP 3: To sleep or not to sleep? #1. Only
sleep if it’s nighttime at your destination. #2. If it’s daytime
then keep naps to a maximum of 30 minutes. #3. Avoid watching
movies if you want to sleep on board – the blue light interferes
with particular hormones that keep you wide-awake. #4. Upon arrival
fight sleeping until it’s actually bedtime. #5. Don’t lie in on
your first morning, wake up and get as much daylight as
possible.

STEP 4: Get in sync. Before disembarking make
sure you have set all clocks and watches to the local time of your
destination. It sounds simple but even looking at the wrong time
can send your mind and body out of whack.

STEP 5: Get moving. Probably the last thing you
feel like doing but trust me, this helps. When air-bound have a
little stretch or a wander around and once you’ve landed, head
outside for some fresh air and a light jog. Doing this will have
your circulatory system back on track and you’ll feel re-energised
in no time.

STEP 6: Take a warm bath or a cold shower.
Having a shower post-flight is always a good idea – not only
because you need a wash but also because it’s very refreshing. If
you have a whole day ahead of you then put the tap on cold for 10
seconds before getting out of the shower – this kick-starts your
body and will leave you raring to go. If however, you’re struggling
to sleep, then hop in the bath and have a warm soak.

Final thing to note: for short trips (3 nights or fewer), I’d
recommend staying on ‘home time.’