Top Tips to Combat Jetlag

More and more people are getting back to fly cruises after the ash cloud fiasco earlier this year. Long haul flights do give people the opportunity to experience exciting and exotic destinations, but it does mean the dreaded spectre of jet lag rears it’s head again, a bigger problem for us cruisers as we only have a week, or two if we’re lucky, to get over it before we have to fly home and get over it again. There isn’t any magic pill or cure all to get rid of the problem, (unfortunately), but hopefully the following guide will either help alleviate, or shorten the symptoms.
First of all though…..
Why does Jetlag occur?

It is now accepted that the human body has an internal clock. This internal clock is based on a twenty four hour rhythm known as the circadian rhythm (about a day).

Jet lag is thought to be a physiological function, the result of a disruption to the body's internal clock. The body clock is driven by a number of factors such as sunlight, temperature, sleep (or lack of sleep) among others.
The effects of jet lag can be devastating over time - at a physical, mental and emotional level. Some of the consequences of jet lag are thought to be effects such as disorientation, extreme fatigue, nausea, insomnia, inability to concentrate on tasks, impaired vision and/or impaired coordination in some cases.
It can also take a long time for you to get over Jet lag, particularly if you cross over several time zones during your travel. The duration for which Jet lag remains is also dependent on a number of factors. A primary consideration is the direction of travel, whether you are travelling from the West to the East when you gain time or whether you are travelling from the East to the West, when you lose time.
Because of the disorientation and physical discomfort, jet lag can also potentially cause anxiety in certain cases. All in all, let’s just say that jet lag is certainly not pleasant!

How can I avoid Jetlag?

Treat your body well before you fly. Exercise, sleep well, stay hydrated and stay sober. The worst thing you can do is get on a long-haul flight with a hangover.
Some people like to exercise before they go to the airport. (This can actually help you sleep better on the plane.) Once you're at the airport, avoid the escalators and moving sidewalks; instead, walk and take the stairs on the way to your check-in area and gate connections.
Adjust your habits before you leave. Three or four days before you leave, start to stay up a little later than usual, and sleep in a little longer, or vice versa depending on the direction of your travel.
Wearing two watches, one set to the current time, and one to the time at your destination, can help you prepare yourself mentally for the coming time change. Many business travelers also use this tactic to stay in touch with what's happening back at the office, kind of defeats the purpose of taking a cruise to get away though – Plus you look like an idiot with two watches on.

During the Flight

Perhaps the most effective way to combat jet lag while in flight is to treat your body well again, abuse it with food and alchol once you get onboard the cruise! Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids. Don't be afraid to ask your flight attendant for extra water.
Get up out of your seat at regular intervals to walk and stretch. You can also do exercises like toe raises, isometric exercises, stomach crunches and shoulder shrugs right in your seat. This keeps your blood flowing and prevents it from pooling at your extremities, a common phenomenon in pressurized cabins.
Other tips: Get up to wash your face, brush your teeth or just stand up for several minutes. Wear loose-fitting clothing that breathes. Bring a neck pillow, blindfold or ear plugs -- these are invaluable on red-eye flights. Also, avoid any snug footwear (high heels or wingtips); it is quite possible that your feet will swell in transit, making your post-flight trek to baggage claim a nightmare.
So -
• Drink plenty of water before, during and after the flight to avoid dehydration.
• Don't drink lots of alcohol or take unnecessary medication while in flight.
• Sleep well before the flight and during long journeys if you can.
• If you're travelling over four or more time zones make sure you get bright natural light in the early evening. This will help you to adapt to the new time.
• If you're going back, try to return at around midday to get the brightest light of the day. Wear eyeshades on the plane and try to stay in the dark and quiet.
• Exercise while on the plane. Don't just walk around the cabin - stretch in your chair as well. This will help your blood circulation and reduce swelling of the feet and legs.
• A short episode of moderately intense exercise may help reset your body clock after arrival.
• Try to fit in with the daily routine and activities of the new time zone as soon as possible – eat when they eat and sleep (or at least rest) when they sleep.

Or if it’s really bad just book a cruise leaving the U.K to avoid the entire problem.

Happy Cruising