Jet Lag and How to Conquer It

If you’re travelling from the U.S. to Africa for an overseas adventure, then you are likely to experience some strong bouts of jet lag. Jet lag might lead to you feeling tired, drowsy, irritable, lethargic. You obviously want to be at your best so that you can enjoy your volunteering experience to the fullest.  

It’s essential to stay on top of what you eat, how you sleep, when you wake and how you regulate body temperature in order to keep jet lag under control as best as possible. These are all useful factors to consider when it comes to long-distance travel, but we need to look a little bit closer at what you can do to help the issue. 

Preventing Jet Lag

Here are some handy hints on how you can prevent jet lag, or at the very least minimise the effects it has on you. 

Get A Sound Night’s Sleep Before You Fly

A sound night’s sleep before you fly will be beneficial. It’s not uncommon for people to get a poor night’s sleep in anticipation of flying. If you’re one of those who only get a few hours of sleep the night before you head to the airport, you are definitely not alone.  

This can be down a cause of several things, such as excitement, nerves, or a conscious effort to make yourself feel tired so that you sleep during your flight. However, if you make last-minute changes to a regular routine, it’ll become much harder for your mind and body to adapt when you arrive in a new time zone. 

Secure a restful night’s sleep before your flight though and you’ll be in a prime situation to deal with and overcome jet lag. 

Pick A Flight That Arrives During the Day

Another really useful tip is to pick flights that will get you to your destination during daylight hours. The main reason is that if you land and it’s daytime, you will find it easier to remain awake.  

So, when you go to book your flights, choose them wisely with the strategy of planning to avoid arriving at night. You’ll prefer reducing the effects of jet lag over saving some pennies on a slightly cheaper flight! 

Get Out of Your Seat

During a long flight, moving around on a consistent basis and doing exercises will help to get your blood flowing. This is a great way to help in diminishing jet lag. 

You might think they’re only for older people, but definitely consider purchasing a pair of flight socks to lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and improve circulation. In fact, if your circulation slows, it is well-known that this can be one of the main reasons why you will encounter jet lag.

Steer Clear of Alcohol

The airport lounge and in-flight drinks service can both be tempting options when you want to celebrate the start of your trip – no matter what of the time of day it is – but drinking alcohol is a big no-no if you want to minimise jet lag. 

The reason behind this is because the effects of alcohol on you during periods of altitude cause feelings of increased tiredness and make you dehydrated. Furthermore, being able to stay hydrated will make it easier to keep jet lag at arm’s length. 

Avoid Using Sleeping Pills

It might seem like an easy solution to help get you some good rest that will prepare you for the effects of jet lag, but taking over the counter sleep medication it’s the answer. You are better off saving your money and drinking some camomile tea instead.  

Sleeping pills simply provide you with nothing to help you as far as avoiding and/or getting over jet lag is concerned. In fact, you’re more likely to be left feeling out of sorts when you arrive.  

Now you have some helpful pointers on jet lag, you can look forward to a more enjoyable volunteering adventure!