Tips to fight jet lag naturally

On your mark, Jet Set…Go!  Tips to healing jet lag symptoms naturally

jet set: n  An international social set made up of fabulous people who travel from one fashionable place to another.

Jet setting may sound très glamorous, but traveling across time zones can wreak havoc on the body and mind. There’s no magic potion for jet lag – it’s an inevitable consequence of disrupting the body’s internal clock. Eating, sleeping, hormone regulation and body temperature are all out of whack and when the body is out of balance… well, simply put, we look and feel terrible. The best remedy for jet lag is time, but given that we don’t always have the luxury of spending days at our destination napping in a bed of roses and silk, voilà some tips to fight jet lag before, during and after your trip this summer.
Bon voyage!

1. Drink
No, not that kind. Step away from that coffee machine in the lounge and just say non to that in-flight glass of champagne.
Flying is extremely dehydrating. Alcohol and caffeine are even more dehydrating, so avoid if you can (Yes that means you, asking for another glass of wine in Row 12) !
At such high altitudes, toxins build up more quickly since there is less oxygen and your body is functioning less efficiently on the whole. Make sure to drink plenty of water before you take off.
I recommend a green smoothie or juice before you leave. Coconut water is also an amazing hydrating beverage before you fly.
I also love Aloha’s green powder packs for travel. Stick in your purse or pocket (they’re that small and travel-friendly!) and add to any liquid to drink on board or just upon arrival for an energizing reboot to the entire body.

Let’s start with eating food. That means, avoiding “plane food” and planning ahead.

2. Eat well 
Or at least, let’s start with eating food. That means, avoiding “plane food” and planning ahead. Pack chia seeds and just add whatever liquid you can get on board for an easy hydrating elixir. Make some quinoa before you go and mix with an avocado, hemp seeds or dried seaweed like dulse on board for an instant meal. Other great travel-friendly snacks include almond butter, rice cakes or crackers, nori sheets, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, apples and bananas. I also love making a big batch of homemade granola or granola bars before I go since those last for days and are a great protein-packed treat.
Massaged kale salads are great because they are packed with protein and nutrients and will hold up well on the go and even get better as the kale absorbs the dressing over the course of a few hours.
Pack a probiotic and take in the morning to help symptoms of jet lag-induced digestive ailments.
 Ginger tea or peppermint essential oil are also great to soothe tummy troubles associated with travel.

3. Sleep


Even if you may be desperate for sleep, your body’s internal clock often functions on auto-pilot. Just do your best and try not to stress about not sleeping – that can cause even more insomnia.
Bring lavender essential oil (I like Young Living) and spray on your pillow or roll onto your neck and wrists, or drink chamomile tea to help you sleep on the plane.
Nighttime specialty tea blends are also wonderful natural alternatives to melatonin tabs or sleeping pills – Try my favorite Lov Organic’s “lovely night”.
When you arrive, don’t be afraid to take a nap – you’re never too old!

4. Breathe


Stress can exacerbate all of the symptoms of jet lag, so try to remain calm even if inevitable travel issues arise. Close your eyes and take deep breaths while in your seat during the trip.
Try to squeeze in a meditation before you leave or when you arrive to balance body and mind.

Do some twists in your seat, stand up and touch your toes or do a split in the aisle!

5. Stretch


Do yoga before you go and when you arrive to improve circulation, calm the mind and bring balance back to the body. Don’t be afraid to do yoga in the airport or even on the flight – do some twists in your seat, stand up and touch your toes or do a split in the aisle!
Twists are great for detoxifying the body of all of those germs accumulated during the flight.

6. Move!
Even if yoga isn’t your thing, make sure to get your heart pumping and your circulation flowing one way or another. Go for a jog after you check into your hotel or even walk up and down the aisles occasionally during a long flight.

7. Bathe
Take a bath ! Add essential oils to hydrate your skin. I love Young Living oils. If you have access to a steam room, the steam will help to hydrate the skin, improve breathing, increase lymphatic circulation, open the pores, alleviate congestion and detoxify the body after a long trip. Just don’t spend too long in either the bath or the steam room – it may cause more dehydration and dizziness. Everything in moderation, my friends!

8. Smile


The serotonin you release will naturally ease your jet lag symptoms – scientific research confirms.
Don’t believe me? Try it! It will make your trip SO much better. I promise.