One of the greatest joys of remote working is being able to jet-off to a sun-kissed paradise when you feel like it. You just need a laptop, phone, and internet connection. Whether you’re in the middle of NYC, or lounging on a tropical island (hello trip to Bali!) as long as you have those, you’re good to go.
But all that jet-setting can take its toll. If you’ve swapped the daily grind for a globetrotting lifestyle, then jet lag can take hours, even days, out of your schedule. This can leave you drained, fatigued, and behind on important deadlines. Luckily, there are a few ways you can combat jet lag and get back to work quickly.
1. Fly During the Day
If you fly at night then you’ll be more prone to falling asleep. If you’re crossing time zones, by the time you land and wake up, it could be time to fall asleep again. Whenever possible, fly during the early morning hours, stay awake during the flight, and try to adapt to your destination’s local time.
2. Avoid the Booze
A quick drink before the flight might seem like a great way to start your holiday and get you into the spirit. However, if it’s a working holiday and you want to keep the jet lag to a minimum, save the drink for later. Alcohol consumed at altitude can have a stronger effect on you, leaving you dehydrated and tired. It can also really bump up those effects when the jet lag eventually kicks in.
The same goes for sleeping tablets and sedatives in general. It may sound like a great way to shorten the flight, but it will only leave you tired and brain fogged for the first couple of days of your holiday. You may also want to avoid consuming too much coffee. If you’re a caffeine addict, drink in moderation and save your biggest dose until the plane lands – assuming it doesn’t land during the night.
3. Fly Smart
Some planes are better than others at helping you to beat jet lag. The A350, for instance, comes equipped with advanced humidification and air purification systems. Plus, it has lighting systems that simulate natural light regardless of the hour.
The same applies to a handful of other long-haul planes, but the plane isn’t the only way you can keep natural cycles. You can also try to stay within the same or similar timezones. If you have any pressing deadlines, make sure you’ll have a chance to work on these while on the plane. That way you can spend more time acclimatizing and less time working when you land.
4. Break-up the Flight
If you’ve always dreamed of flying to Australia, Japan or China, think about breaking the flight up with multiple stop-overs. Not only will you reduce jet lag, but you’ll be able to fly for less and see more. You’ll be able to visit a host of beautiful countries on the way. Give yourself a few days at each to truly explore all there is to see. This will also ensure your body has adapted before the next stop.
5. Eat Well and Move
Avoiding DVT on a flight is essential, especially if you’re already a greater risk. This is also true if you’re flying long distances or if you fly a lot. The things that help you to avoid this potentially fatal issue also help stimulate blood flow and keep jet lag at bay when you land. If you spend the entire flight sitting still, you’re going to be stiff and fatigued by the time you land. However, if
you get up to move (or be as active as you can be on a plane) it’ll be like any other day and you’ll be ready to go. You also need to eat well and avoid processed foods, as they’re loaded with refined sugars that cause your blood sugar to crash. Make sure you’re eating plenty of protein and complex carbs to keep those energy levels up.
Conclusion: It Can be Done
Jet lag is a real issue and it’s not something that will go away entirely, especially during long- haul flights. But if you follow these tips, you can keep it to a minimum and ensure it doesn’t impact your work.
Now that you’re ready to beat the jet-lag, book your next trip with Behere below!
Written by Nicky Sarandrea; a freelance writer who has written on dozens of subjects and published thousands of articles. He is a large advocate for the remote working and co-working industries and works out of the Cross Campus Pasadena office.
