We travel a hell of a lot…
Jetlag is pretty much a part of that… But there are things that you can do to really help, and maybe even prevent it!
Below are a few tricks/ tips that we have learnt over our many years of hurtling around the globe to Regattas.
1. Start Shifting Your Sleep Schedule Gradually
If you’re not traveling super last minute, you can definitely prepare for the time change in advance by adjusting your sleeping schedule by an hour every night before your trip. If you’re headed west, stay up an hour later than usual, and if you’re headed east, get to bed an hour earlier than usual.
2. Reset your watch as soon as you get on the plane…
I love this little mind game… If you can win this battle and convince yourself that you’re on the time of your destination it really helps… It might be a bit crazy, but every little helps!
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Hydration is a battle both on and off the water, and it really is one of those things that can make a huge difference to your overall health and well-being. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, it’s important to drink more water than usual when flying to help combat dehydration. Grab a massive bottle of water before you start and keep on downing it. Yes I know you have to pee a lot more, but if you’re flying, the movement to the toilet every few minutes does help prevent stiff legs and other nasties, so really its a win win!!
4. Keep your naps short…
Unless you’re taking an overnight flight, you want to keep the naps (both on the flight and after the flight) to a minimum. If you do take a nap, and lets be honest, who doesn’t love a good nap 😛 try and limit it to 30 mins or less to keep your body from becoming confused and messing with your brain and your sleep cycle. I generally don’t sleep that well when we travel, but if you’re fighting the urge to pass out from exhaustion, its amazing how a little 20-30 mins can really help!!
5. Don’t eat like a pig!!
Heavy protein-based and sugary meals are a major no-no when you’re going to be traveling for a long time in the air. Instead, stick to light snacking. Ginger chews and celery both have excellent reputations for calming the nervous system and digestive system while traveling, but if like me you’re a nervous flyer/ traveler when you’re not the one in charge, a bit of chocolate doesn’t go amiss!!
6. Do some light exercise when you get to where you are headed!
I always travel with a yoga mat, and an accupressure mat; both of which are amazing after a long flight to get the blood flowing again. Failing that, a good walk or a swim are perfect, anything really that gets you moving!!
Enjoy your travels!!
SAILING HANNAH 
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