5 Easy Steps to Avoid Jet Lag & Wake Up Pretty

You've booked your ticket for that amazing trip, you've decided what to pack and now you only have one last thing to worry about; the flight! I'll give you 5 easy tips to conquer jet lag and arrive at your destination ready to see the sights!

Jet lag is what a person feels after flying across several time zones. It will make you feel extremely tired and may have other physical effects on your mind and body.

I experienced jet lag the first time flying to Paris, France. I was so grouchy! I was easily annoyed and in the worst mood! (which is so unlike me!) I almost fell asleep on a bus during a tour of the Eiffel Tower!

Jet Lag is real!

But I can tell you the secrets on how to avoid it!

1. Chose the over night flight

If you pick the overnight flight it will help sync your body with the new timezone. You'll be waking up after 7 or so hours of sleep in a new city ready to explore. Sleeping through a long flight also makes the journey feel shorter because well... you're sleeping through it!

2. Pack these secret weapons

In order to get those precious 7+ hours of sleep I mentioned, you will need to be prepared!

Bring these items in your carry-on;(each item is clickable)

-Face mask: Block out the haters and the light.

-Earplugs: It is loud in an airplane, even while everyone is sleeping, the plane is giving off so many noises.

-Neck pillow: There are tons of different kinds to choose from THIS is my favorite. Try all the different kinds, pick your favorite one and send back the duds! *amazon has free shipping and returns for prime members*

-Eye mask: These will make you feel happy and you'll wake up looking great. It's nice to pamper yourself in such an uncomfortable situation. put them on under your face mask and wake up beautiful.

-Compression Socks: These will help with circulation in your legs. Sitting while sleeping can't be good for you, but these will help to avoid swollen feet.

-Bring your own tea: You can ask the flight attendant for hot water, then seep your own chamomile or lavender tea. Both are known to promote relaxation.

-Pop a sleeping pill: $0.88 at Walmart and you'll be sleeping like a husband! (babies rarely sleep all night ;)

*Bonus TIP: Take out what you need and put the rest in the OVERHEAD storage! That extra legroom from the seat in front of you will help you stretch out a little more.

3. Create a sleep environment

Take off your make-up and wash your face right before getting on the plane. Brush your hair and teeth, tell yourself you're getting ready for bed.

Dress in comfy clothes.

On board, get settled in.

Try NOT to use your phone! It emits blue light which keeps you awake!

Instead read a book or magazine until the dinner meal is served.

*Did you know you can request a vegan meal when booking your tickets?*

I recommend this just because you will get more veggies and fiber which help with keeping you feeling good and happy.

Image cred: theurbanhousewife.blogspot.com

4. Suffer for the sake of sleeping

-Avoid your morning coffee: As a fellow coffee addict I understand your outrage! But, It lasts in your system for up to 6 hours! And makes you have shallow sleep patterns!

-Don't drink alcohol: Studies have shown that a nightcap interferes with the deep sleep pattern and thus you wake up feeling exhausted and not refreshed at all! (plus you should NEVER mix drugs *sleeping pill* with alcohol)

-Get in an a.m. work out: This will help your body in so many ways! The blood circulation alone is worth a morning sweat session. You'll be able to fall asleep faster at night and stay asleep while feeling more comfortable in your blasphemously tiny (economy)seat.

5. Schedule an activity for arrival day

Have a tour planned for the day you arrive. Something as simple as a bus tour or boat ride. You can hop on, kick your feet up and get the lay of the land. This will force you to stay awake. It's important to get your body adjusted to the new time zone asap so you can pack your days with fun without feeling tired.

Always have a grateful heart, you are about to see the world!

"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” (Psalms 9:1)

BONUS: How to wake up looking pretty

The key thing here is moisturizer! Follow all the steps above but before you crash for the night, slather on face moisturizer, chap stick, even sleep with under eye pads on! It makes a huge difference in the morning. You'll wake up dewy not dry.

#travel #packing #UStravel #uktravel #traveltips