How to Get Over Jet Lag Quickly

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If you’re wondering how to get over jet lag quickly, I could probably write this post in one word.

That word is “Ambien”.  But maaaaaybe you’ve heard of that already.

How to Get Over Jet Lag Quickly

Last week, I went to the UK for work, and I was there for all of five days – my shortest trip to Europe ever.  To make things extra exhausting, most of those five days were packed with meetings and work dinners….meaning I had to be “on” for almost the entire time.

So needless to say, I had to get over jet lag quickly.  These tips worked well for me:

1. How to Prepare for Jet Lag: Plan Ahead

The severity of jet lag symptoms can differ dramatically depending on your flight times.

To avoid jet lag, if at all possible, try to select a flight that will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening.  Chances are that you’ll be able to force yourself to stay awake for at least 4-6 hours, and then when you head to bed, you’ll be much closer to getting yourself on local time.

Flights that land at the crack of dawn are incredibly difficult to recover from.  Staying up all day is next to impossible, but a short nap is likely to turn into a four-hour nap, and throw off your entire sleep schedule for the next night.

For more help with planning, check out this jet lag advisor created by British Airways, and check out these tips on making it through airport security as fast as possible.

Pro Travel Tip: These days, travel can be more uncertain than ever. Check for any COVID-related restrictions at your destination, and never travel without travel insurance! I recommend SafetyWing, because they have flexible + affordable insurance plans, and also cover COVID-related impacts on your trip (not all companies do)!

2. Adjust Your Watch Right Away

Once you’re on board your flight, change your watch right away to reflect the time at your destination.

Use that time as a guide for what to do on the plane: eat, sleep, or watch a movie.  For example, if it’s 2 a.m. at your destination, it’s probably not the best time to eat a huge meal.

3. A Time and a Place for Caffeine

This one might seem obvious, but it’s important to use caffeine strategically (if that’s a thing).

A good rule of thumb is to skip caffeine before and during your flight, but hit it up once you arrive.

Caffeine before a flight may prevent you from being able to catch a bit of sleep on the plane.  But once you’re there, if you have more than 5-7 hours before bedtime, by all means – caffeine can be the only thing that gets you through that first day!

READ MORE: 10 Secrets to Stress-Free Air Travel

4. Hydrate Like Never Before

Everyone always says to avoid alcohol on international flights, because it’ll dehydrate you.  But in my opinion, having a glass of wine (or two) or an in-flight cocktail can be the only thing that makes a long flight TOLERABLE….just as long as you counteract it by drinking TONS of water.

Seriously – don’t stop with the water.

The in-flight beverage service definitely won’t be sufficient, so make sure you have a bottle of water with you.

Same goes for before and after your flight: keep the water coming, and being hydrated will expedite your recovery.

Oh and as long as we’re talking in-flight consumption, try to stick to eating protein and vegetables as much as possible – you’ll be far less lethargic than if you were to eat pasta, pretzels, and candy.

5. Melatonin can help fix jet lag

If you’re not interested in Ambien, Melatonin pills can be a lifesaver.

Obviously, you’ll want to check with your doctor beforehand, but taking a melatonin pill an hour or so before you go to sleep will help prevent the 2 a.m. wide-awake scenario.

I’d advise doing a dry run while you’re still at home – potentially with half of the recommended dose – to make sure nothing unexpected happens.

Still can’t sleep?  You might need a few more tips on sleeping well in a hotel.

6. Get rid of Jet lag by walking

Once you’ve arrived, get walking.

If you arrive late at night, try to get outside the very next morning.  Not only will being out in the sunlight help to get you on local time, but the physical activity will also help your body transition.

I hope these tips will help you quickly get over jet lag on your next trip!  If you have any other favorite tips, I’d love to hear them!

For more travel tips, check out my best packing tips for women!