Travelling to a new country is a great experience, until the jet lag sets in. Depending on where you’re flying from, as well as your age, the jet lag may hit you harder than others. For some people, it can take a week or more to adjust to the time difference.
After our own experiences abroad, we have found the following to help us ease our jet lag and get us back on track.
Chamomile tea — About an hour before you go to bed, have some chamomile tea to relax and get you in the mood to sleep.
Coffee — Even if you’re not much of a coffee drinker, you may need that mid-day jolt to help keep you going. Starbucks and/or convenience stores are usually near most casting places so you’ll be able to pick something up during the day. And as unglamourous as it sounds, keeping a small bag of instant coffee in your purse could make that 100-look catalogue shoot possible. Most studios and offices will have an electric kettle available.
Essential Oils — Dab some lavender oil (or any other calming oil) on your wrist after the shower before bed. The light smell with help soothe you into a long and peaceful slumber.
Eye drops — If you suffer from dry eyes, eye drops will help you look as fresh as possible. You can buy eye drops at Japanese pharmacies (600-1000 yen) and, in our experience, they work much better than the ones back home.
Eye mask & ear plugs — Wearing an eye mask to bed will help you block out any light and ear plugs will help block out the conversation your roommates are having on the balcony.
Have a shower — Once you arrive at your model apartment, have a shower and get in your comfortable pajamas. You’ll unload some stress from the day, and feel ready to unwind.
Hydration — Proper hydration is always essential and helps minimize the physical symptoms of jet lag. (Harvard Medical School Family Heath Guide)
Melatonin — Taking melatonin is said to help promote sleep. For the first week, take a tablet before bed to help regulate your sleep cycle as quick as possible. (UCSF Medical Center)
Stay awake — If you get into the city in the afternoon but are exhausted, don’t go to sleep! Try to stay up until around 10:00-11:00 p.m., so you can sleep through until the morning — and get a good start on regulating your sleep schedule.
Vitamins — when we are jet lagged, our bodies are stressed due to travel and our normal circadian rhythm being disrupted. Taking supplements like Vitamin B (or eating Vitamin B rich foods like bananas) can help reduce the jet lag induced stress. (Forbes Travel Guide)
What helps you alleviate your jet lag symptoms? Leave a comment below!
