While exotic getaways and trips to Europe are what get us through a long cold winter, the thought of the ensuing jet-lag can be enough to make us stay closer to home.
But now a luxury travel agent, who clocks up hundreds of thousands of air miles each year, has shared his sure fire tips on how to avoid the dreaded lethargy.
Todd Bliwise, says defeating jet lag is simple. You just need to remember two things.
Getting to sleep is key
“I always bring sleeping pills on a plane,” he says, adding that his father is a sleep researcher – so certainly knows his stuff.
It’s important to know how long each type of pill can affect you for, so you can time your slumber correctly.
If you don’t want to get prescription sleeping pills, there are safer options – such as herbal remedies – that can help your drift off.
Women’s Weekly tip: Take ear plugs, an eye mask and some warm socks on the plane too, to help you get as comfortable as possible for your flight.
Sweat it out
You know those mad people who go running to beat a hangover? It turns out that exercise could be just the ticket for sorting out your jet lag, too.
Bliwise says wherever he travels, a pair of running shoes are always in his bag.
“The greatest way to explore a new city is by running, because you cover twice as much ground as you would walking, and my father told me that one of the best things to fight off jet lag is exercise,” he tells Bloomberg.
There’s research to back this theory up. In one study, hamsters were exposed to a new time zone. Those that ran on a wheel adjusted to the new time in just one day ,where as those that didn’t took more than eight.
Spending time outdoors in natural light is also meant to help your body adjust to a new routine.
