Traveling for work is the only way to go. But one thing that many people find burdensome is costing so much time sleeping due to jet lag.
Although scientists still have not discovered a way to combat jet lag, they have discovered ways that help adjust your body to the time gap. This can reduce the general uncomfortable symptoms you experience while traveling.
If you want to know more about the best ways to minimize jet lag on your next business travel, keep reading.
1. Make Use of Light and Dark to Aid Jet Lag
One of the best tips for minimizing jet lag during business travel is to make use of light and dark. Jet lag is the result of disruption in the circadian rhythm, which is an internal clock that regulates our sleep cycle.
To minimize jet lag, make use of light and dark to aid the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Try to get plenty of natural light when you arrive to reset your body’s natural clock and help you adjust to the new time zone.
Also, avoid blue-lighting emitting screens (eg. computer, smartphone) in the evenings. Melatonin supplements can also be helpful in reducing jet lag, as the hormone helps regulate sleep patterns.
Getting sunlight during the mornings and limiting light at night while avoiding screens helps to avoid jet lag and reset your body’s natural clock when you’re far away from home.
2. Exercise During your Trip
One of the business travel tips for minimizing jet lag is to exercise during your trip. Exercise helps to keep your energy levels high and improve your alertness during your travels.
Taking a brisk walk during a layover between flights can help to keep your body active and stimulate your muscles. It can also make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable. Even if you can’t walk, you can perform some light stretching exercises in your seat or common areas.
3. Make Smart Eating Choices
Traveling for business can often require long flights with time changes, resulting in uncomfortable jet lag. To minimize the effects of jet lag and make the most out of business travel, some smart eating choices should be taken. Avoiding heavy, starchy meals will help reduce fatigue, so instead, opt for proteins, nuts, and fruits.
Eating lightly during flights and avoiding foods with high sugar content is also important. Upon arrival at the business destination, take in the local cuisine while also avoiding strong foods. Eating healthy will not only avoid jet lag but can also provide plenty of energy to handle any business obligations.
4. Stay Hydrated Onboard
Avoiding jet lag while traveling for business is essential to ensure you remain productive. Staying hydrated is one of the most important tips to minimize jet lag. Bring a large water bottle with you onboard the flight to ensure you are consuming enough fluids throughout the duration of your trip.
Make sure to refill your bottle between flights and sip steadily throughout the day. Additionally, limit caffeine, alcohol, and salty snacks, which can exacerbate dehydration. Aim to avoid beverages with artificial sweeteners or additives and opt for plain, filtered water whenever possible.
5. Optimize Sleep Opportunities
When traveling across time zones on business, it is important to optimize sleep opportunities in order to minimize jet lag. Many travelers try to jump right into their regular routine at the new location when they arrive, but this can be very difficult and cause unnecessary fatigue.
For serious travelers, a short nap of 1-2 hours while in the time zone they are departing from is recommended. This will ensure they have enough energy to last the duration of their travel and stay awake during business meetings.
It is also important to adjust your sleeping schedule in the new time zone as quickly as possible and to get plenty of fresh air. Finally, sticking to a consistent sleep routine can help to reduce the effects of jet lag. By properly planning and being mindful of sleep opportunities when traveling for business, jet lag can be minimized.
6. Avoid Useless Layovers
Business travel can present many challenges, one of which is jet lag. To minimize jet lag and maximize productivity during business travel, one should avoid useless layovers whenever one can.
By planning flights with direct flights or minimizing layovers, travelers will be able to reduce the fatigue associated with jet lag and save time to focus on business tasks. Useless layovers can also add costs to an already expensive trip and lead to delays in connecting flights.
It is recommended to use an app to track flights and compare prices and make sure that the least expensive and shortest route is chosen. Additionally, travelers should investigate the airport and plan accordingly to account for customs if the layover airport is international.
Making sure the layover is the minimal amount of time and is the most cost-effective can help reduce the time that is wasted and make the business trip go more smoothly.
7. Use a Private Charter Plane
When business travel takes you to multiple time zones and long distances, jet lag can throw off your entire schedule. One way to minimize jet lag and get the most out of your time is to use a private charter plane.
Private charter planes offer advantages such as convenience and flexibility in flight schedules, allowing business travelers to customize their departure and arrival times to fit their needs.
Furthermore, private charter planes are well equipped with modern amenities like comfortable leather seating, in-flight entertainment, and a professional cabin crew who can cater to your needs.
You can also book larger aircraft models that allow travelers to stand up and walk around, offering further relief from jet lag. The private charter plane gives you the opportunity to travel quickly and comfortably, enabling you to hit the ground running and make the most of your business trips. Click for private charters to learn more.
Explore About Business Travel
Overall, jet lag can be minimized during business travel. It’s important to pay attention to the jet lag advice provided by experts to ensure a successful, productive and comfortable trip. Consider following the tips discussed to take control of jet lag; adjust meals and sleep patterns, set your watch to the correct local time, adjust atmosphere with light and sound and use jet lag remedies.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!
