Flight fatigue or jet leg is prevalent; millions of travellers across the globe are struggling with it. Jet lag can make anyone's next few days like a walking nightmare, and even more if you are on a business trip. To bring your A-game to your next big business meeting, you need to be fresh and free of fatigue. If you're booking your flight ticket, here we've five practical tips to help you stay clear of flight fatigue.
#1 Manage Your Flying Anxiety
Anxiety triggers the release of a hormonal rush that can leave your body tired & drained. Yes, the anxiety feeling is temporary, but the exhaustion feeling lasts for a long time.
Even after you've taken some rest, you'll experience mental fatigue. There are many types of anxieties; one of them is flying anxiety.
Also known as aviophobia, flying anxiety is a phobia of flying that will make flying terrifying; some even go that extra mile in avoiding flights altogether.
There are several reasons for this kind of anxiety, you'd had a bad flight experience earlier, heard stories of aeroplane crashes, claustrophobic, etc.
To beat your flying anxiety, you must join an online program that educates you on aviation's technical aspects to bust the illogical myths you are having. Also, use some proven calming techniques to conquer your fear and stay relaxed during the entire flight.
#2. Plan Your Flight
If it is possible, try to book a daytime flight. Because, then you'll be tempted to stay awake during the trip - see the beautiful clouds as your aeroplane flies through them - and, you can sleep at the appropriate local time.
Early evening is also a good time to arrive, have your diner, and jump on to the bed by 9 Pm. Whereas, the early morning arrivals are the hardest for your body to deal with, as you'll be having the challenge to stay awake during the entire day, probably attend a business meeting or two.
You must avoid flights with long stopovers, where you're lounging around the airport doing nothing.
Next, to have some shut-eye time on the plane, selecting the right seat is imperative.
Avoid booking the seat at the plane's back because turbulence always has a greater impact on the back than the front. And, of course, ensure that you pick a seat that reclines. In the economy option, certain seats that beat the exit row don't offer this option. Unless you're good at sleeping upright, check with your airline to know the reclinable seats.
#3. Don't Tire Yourself Before the Flight
Some individuals make the common mistake of completely tiring themselves before the flight, thinking they'll have a great sleep on the plane. Instead, all it means, you'll be overtired to take your flight and possibly won't be able to sleep.
Sleep-derived, cranky & restless is how you want your flight to be? Take proper rest before boarding the plane so that you don't have to force yourself to sleep during the flight.
Sleeping during the flight is natural, watch Adam Sandler's rom-com in-flight, and you feel drifting off, whip out the flight pillow, and sleep mask, and you're up for a good-night sleep.
Arriving tired and sleep-deprived will only worsen the symptoms of jet lag.
#4. Drink Plenty of Water
If you are serious about avoiding jet lag, then you must drink plenty of water. Dehydration is one of the main reasons for jet lag. Plus, your body will go to function optimally when hydrated.
As a piece of advice, take a few empty water bottles, and fill them once you're through the airport security. This way, you don't have to buy unnecessarily expensive bottled water or keep asking for a cup of water from the flight attendant.
#5. Avoid That Pre or in-flight Glass of Bubbles
Well, that's not a tip that most people don't wish to hear, but alcohol is a stimulant, and a glass of wine at the airport lounge or in-flight will leave you dehydrated & tired. And, this is the perfect recipe for jet lag. Besides, caffeine should be avoided, and cola and energy drinks are a big no-no.
Do let us know how it went for you next time you board a flight.
