Today’s Solutions: December 11, 2024

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

As the summer rounds out, many of us have started to travel again for work and leisure, and we’re again experiencing the frustrating effects of jet lag. Traveling outside of our usual time zone can be disorienting, while the stress of travel takes a toll on our health, but a few preventative steps can help make the transition easier.

Hydrate

Dehydration exacerbates jet lag symptoms while dry cabin air dries us out even further. Combat jet lag by hydrating well before, during, and after your flight.

Get out into the sunshine

Sunshine is a primary regulator of circadian rhythms, so while it can be tempting to try and sleep off jet lag, getting out into the sun will actually help your system regulate more quickly.

Force yourself to adapt 

It can be tempting to doze off as soon as you land in a new destination, but you should limit naps to 30 minutes and try to force yourself to adapt to the local time zone by going to sleep and waking around when you would at home.

Forgo caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating, so avoiding them in flight will help you stay hydrated and feel better once you land.

Eat probiotics

The bacteria in our gut can actually be affected by flights, so taking probiotics or eating probiotic-rich food, like kimchi and tempeh, in the two weeks leading up to your trip will help strengthen your immune system and alleviate jet lag.

Consume magnesium

Most of us associate jet lag with feeling tired, but it can also cause cramping due to poor circulation, dehydration, and a magnesium deficiency. Packing a magnesium-rich snack like almonds, seeds, or wheat germ will help stave off this negative side effect of flying.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

AI to the rescue: how technology slashes stillbirths and saves lives in Malawi

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When Ellen Kaphamtengo, 18, experienced intense stomach pain late in her pregnancy, she trusted her intuition. With her ...

Read More

Save the spirit guardians: Hawaiian crows get a fresh start on Maui

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For the first time in decades, five Hawaiian crows, or 'alalā, are soaring freely on the lush slopes ...

Read More

Singapore’s Seletar airport considers plans for electric flying taxis

Seletar Airport is the city-state of Singapore’s lesser known second airport. It’s a small airfield normally frequented only by private jets, but soon it ...

Read More

Vent to your friends without bringing them down with these expert-approved tips

We've all had days when everything seemed to go wrong. Workplace drama or an argument with a loved one can really get us fired ...

Read More