How To Deal With Jet Lag At Your Destination

You've finally arrived at your destination, and are in the cab on your way to the hotel. You have a few hours before that big meeting that youve flown half-way across the world for. Your body is aching for sleep after crossing 5 different time zones. A nap just sounds like the ticket! Yet it is too early in the afternoon too feel so tired. Why do you feel tired? Unfortunatley you have Jet Lag. No matter what you do, its almost impossible to avoid Jet Lag.

With the way your body's natural circadian rhythms work, it takes about 1 day per time zone you cross in order for your body to adjust. Taking a nap right before the big meeting would just make your jet lag worse and make you groggy. Now while there isn't much that you can do to completely rid yoruself of Jet Lag, there are things that you can do at your destination to ensure that it doesnt get any worse.

First off, when you get to your destination try to do what is appropriate for the local time. If it is early in the afternoon, avoid the urge for a nap. Try and get outside and get some sun. Sunlight will help keep you awake. Or if you are limited for time, try and take a walk outside your hotel. The light will help adjust your body to the day time and will keep you more alert.

If you do have some time, rather than sitting in your hotel room, try to go out and be social. Have you ever noticed that you will be tired but as soon as you are put in a social situation, you catch a “second-wind”. This is because human beings are “social creatures.” We thrive off of social interaction. Therefore, ask your hotel for local events that are going on, and go mingle. This will stave off that craving you have for a nap.

In addition, it is important that you try and blend into the local life as quickly as possibly. If the local lunch time is later than what you are used to at home, try and wait till the local time to eat. Your body works best with rhythm and routine, and the sooner that is provided, the sooner you will adjust to your new area.

For those that have a couple hours but dont feel like being social, exercise is a great way to adjust to your new location. If you have time to take a jog before the big meeting, do it. This will force you to go ouside and get some sunshine, which will help keep you awake. Your body will also release adrenaline, which will help heighten your senses and keep you more alert.  They say that people who exercise take 25% less time to get rid of jet lag as opposed to people who dont.

Jet lag is not an easy issue to deal with, however it can be made to be manageable. In addition to doing things once you arrive, there are plenty of things you can do before hand to save yourself from the feelings of exhaustion. Put some effort into it and that flight half way around the world wont seem so daunting. The better you feel, the easier it will be to close that next account!