Adjusting to Jetlag (for Rookies and those curious)

STAY AWAKE WHILE THE SUN IS UP. That’s the first and most important rule or trick of the trade. It’s a given, it’s a must, and yet, it’s one of the hardest things to do when you feel the wooziness of jetlag, especially when your night becomes day and your day becomes night. Anyone that has traveled to Asia knows what I mean. I’ve been to China and Taiwan, and it’s never gotten easier despite my change in age, weight, shape, size, and sleeping habits. When jetlag hits you, the only thing you can do is keep to the basics, stay hydrated, eat when you’re supposed to, and pray to God your internal clock adjusts to the external time zone.

EAT WHEN YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO. Three square meals a day, that’s it! Avoid snacking! Don’t let your previous eating schedule throw off your current eating schedule. Your bowel movements will follow once you’ve established a steady eating schedule. Your organs will adjust if you don’t cheat and stay focused on the task of adjusting. Not only that, but your energy will shift so as to match your dietary functions and you will find that there is hope for you yet! Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Don’t overdose on sugar or caffeine just because it might keep you awake. It might just keep you awake when you’re supposed to be sleeping. Your body can only move SO fast. Be considerate. Be kind to your body. It’s with you till the end.

REMEMBER TO EXERCISE BUT NOT TOO MUCH.  Most people think vacation is a time when you ought to move more. The truth is, most people who think and do just that get injured far faster and more often than those who lay back and chill. Overusing your muscles that you don’t normally use as much can be quite catastrophic. One year, when I was in my early teens, I felt like I could jump 6 stairs to show off my flexibility. I ended up rolling my ankle and the rest of my vacation was spent on the couch, on crutches, or hopping through uneven streets. Another year, I reached up to show off a spike in volleyball and dislocated my right shoulder. I spent the rest of that vacation in a sling, somewhat able to feed myself, and barely able to do any more than a child could. I was MISERABLE!! So, remembering to exercise is good. But don’t overdo it!! The same physical laws that you are bound to in your home life still binds you when you take a vacation. To enjoy your vacation to the max, just keep it simple and safe!

LAUGH AND STRETCH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN!  Laughing, obviously, helps to keep your abdominal area in check, but it also brings more oxygen into your body, which makes life and all else seem better. Breathing is important. Laughing also makes you feel happier, lighter, and much more energetic. Laughing to the point of tears is great once in a while, but remember to allow your body to release anxiety and doubt! And when you can, whenever it is, stretch your body a bit. To relieve stress and pressure that you might not have known was there, you have to take deep breaths, loosen your muscles, and what better way to help you than to stretch your body? Simple arms in the air and then side to side is just fine. Whether you’re on vacation or at home, worry and stressing out about stuff that may not presently matter is not healthy. Learn to relax your body whether through your own means or meditation; JUST CHILL OUT. Your body will appreciate that!

I feel like a guru trying to calm the masses, but, in truth, I’m working just as hard to get over jetlag as you are at this moment. And, as if it wasn’t obvious enough, the last bit of advice I have for you is simply to KEEP YOURSELF BUSY. Sure, it would be easy to give into sleep. OH, SO EASY!! But to do a few things before going to sleep would make you feel more accomplished, take up more time, keep you awake longer, so that your sleep would be THAT much better. Like yesterday, for me, I wanted to sleep through the day. But had I done that, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep at night, and I wouldn’t have had a wonderful lunch with a dear friend, deposit money at the bank, and gas up my car for the upcoming week of adventures. I wouldn’t have washed my clothes and watched a few anime episodes as it dried before hanging them into my closet and reclaiming the extra space the luggage took up in my room. I couldn’t have slept as long as I did last night, and after recording a podcast with Ed, I’ll eat something, stay awake until about 7-8 and then enjoy a nice sleep until I need to get up again in the morning. Life goes on faster when you’re busy. You’re more entertained and excited when stuff’s going on!

Any questions? Concerns? Suggestions? I’m all ears!! ~~ Seriously, give me something to ponder on!! 

KEEP ME AWAKE!!