Fighting Jet Lag

By Team Beachbody

Jet lag is the inability of the body to adjust to the change of circadian rhythms when one feels tired, fuzzy and generally fatigued, sometimes accompanied by dull headaches. Symptoms are especially severe for those traveling west to east and minimal for those flying north to south.

Here is how you can fight it:
1. To reset your biological clock for a wide time change, stay up 24+ hours and go to sleep at the normal time of your destination.
2. Once at your destination, do not take a nap until it is the normal time to go to sleep in that region.
3. The next morning, go for a half-hour walk in the bright morning sunlight.
4. Carbohydrates make you sleepy and protein will keep you awake. Eat more carbohydrate meals for two days prior to the trip and more protein meals on the day of departure and arrival.
5. Do not eat right before you go to sleep; when you do eat, have a light dinner.
6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine-based beverages on the plane; substitute by drinking a lot of water. (And we do mean a lot.)
7. Change your watch to your destination time zone as soon as you get on the plane.
8. Most flights are run according to the time at the departure point, not the destination. If you need to sleep according to the light/dark cycle of your destination, remember to take along eye shades and ear plugs.

Fight Germs Lingering from the Flight

With flight delays, narrow seats and less-than-gourmet meals, flying can be a hassle. And it's cold season to boot. So how can you stay healthy when surrounded by sneezing, coughing passengers?

First, drink water. That will help your body cope with the onslaught of cabin germs.

Paying extra attention to hygiene en route can make a big difference. Here are simple and smart suggestions from the experts:
1. Wash your hands and face frequently.
2. Avoid touching magazines, using the airplane pillows and blankets or touching your neighbor's drinking cup.
3. Again, drink lots of water.
4. Relax as much as possible during your flight. Stress increases the risk of catching a cold.
5. Some people take a dose of echinacea before, during and after the flight to help the body maintain its immune system.

Taking these simple steps could make the difference between staying healthy and getting sick.