Jet lag – just hearing the word makes a number of us groan, business travellers and holiday makers alike!
‘I’m on holiday – it’s 4 am and I’m wide awake’
‘I’ve just landed, it’s 2 am and I have an important meeting first thing tomorrow but I can’t sleep…’
Sound familiar? For most of us jet lag seems inevitable – only the lucky few can avoid it completely!
So what’s the answer?
Sadly there doesn’t seem to be one answer that will suit everyone. There are a number of approaches however that have helped improve the situation for some and lessened the effect of jet lag. Some are listed below:
- Set your watch to the local time (at destination) as soon as you get on the plane.
- Act per the local time – if it’s time to sleep, try to at least rest, relax and shut your eyes.
- Keep hydrated – water is your friend, alcohol isn’t!
- Exercise – personally, whenever I land in the US (from the UK), I head to the gym if at all possible before going to bed. The last thing you will feel like but you’ll be glad you did! Encourages more water intake too.
- Melatonin – some swear by this remedy.
- Read – if you are awake in the middle of the night it’s likely your thoughts will wander and you will start solving tomorrow’s problems – reading can help clear your mind and help you to relax.
- Try to relax – this may sound trite but if the minute you wake up you start bemoaning being awake you won’t give yourself the chance to drift off again. Equally, if you go to bed and don’t feel tired, give yourself time – if the room is dark, temperate and quiet it will help.
- Earplugs – I couldn’t sleep without them, especially if there’s noisy AC?
But what about reflexology?
As I stated, no one approach works for everyone but the clients I have worked with have found reflexology to be deeply relaxing and several believe it has helped them to overcome jet lag more easily.
Reflexology works through the various reflex points on the hands, feet and face. As we work through those points it helps to bring a sense of balance and relaxation which in turn helps to calm both mind and body. Whilst not a guarantee I would certainly encourage you to try!
Safe Travels!
Complete Reflexology
07768 644643
Claire@completereflexology.com