Hello Travel Fans.
I started my journey 36 hours ago on the east coast of the United States. I traveled from Florida to London and experiencing JET LAG!!! I have written articles and given tips on how to avoid jet lag, and did not take any of my advice this time. A great way to start to start the vacation.
How to Avoid Jet Lag:
1. Transition your hourly clock a few days before your travel to the time zone. Exposure to sunlight helps you adjust when you arrive. If going east, afternoon light. If going west, morning light.
*** I worked night shift 2 days before I traveled east. WRONG!!! It would have worked well if I was traveling west. I did not gradually adjust my time zone to London 5 hours ahead of EST. And when I landed, I stayed up for 2 hours then took a nap. Due to London weather, sunlight was not available.
Most flights from USA east coast to Europe leaves at night; you arrive at 6:00 am to 9:00 am. Most European hotels accommodate the traveling and have some rooms available for the early arrivals. You can always call the hotel 1-2 days prior to arrival to arrange it.
2. Hydrate with water.
*** I had 1.5L of water on the airplane. But if I was already dehydrated [working the night shift], then that amount only caught me up to normal. Then the travel and flying took me back to dehydration. I landed feeling sluggish and tired despite sleeping on the plane. A true test of hydration is the color of your urine; clear and if you can see through it displays good hydration.
3. Eat light.
*** I am not a fan of the airplane “chicken” which seems to always be the main entree. Before leaving Atlanta, I got a sandwich but the “heavy” french fries should have been avoided. I also had bean salad before the flight which is a NO NO! The beans cause gas, abdominal bloating and expansion with the airplane pressure. I felt like I had instantly gained 10 pounds in mid-flight.
4. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
CHECK. I did that right.
5. Limit caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
*** I had worked and traveled the previous day. I had coffee the night before and the 2 cups the morning of traveling. And this only adds to the dehydration.
6. Walking to increase circulation.
CHECK Have you been to ATL airport?
All in all I need to take my own advice. So I have recovered. I drank plenty of water today [CLEAR] and walked blocks to my conference. The vacation will survive and BE GREAT!
The Tower of London
Yvette McQueen MD, The Travel Doctor
