Jet Lag: Do You Know the Top 3 Recovery Tips?
Our Tried-and-Tested Ways to Conquer Pesky Jet Lag
The time difference between Germany and New Zealand is ten to twelve hours. Your body has to adjust, and many backpackers push themselves too hard at the start of their trip.
That’s why we’ve gathered the best tips and tricks against jet lag together with the KiwiQuest community. We hope they can help you on your own journey.
So don’t forget: Keep your chin up!
Here’s the jet lag rescue!
Intro
As Zombies at the Airport...
After our 27-hour flight to New Zealand, the jet lag was anything but nice. Already at the airport, we wandered like two zombies through the crowd. Overwhelmed by everything, we made our way from the airport to our hotel.
Once there, finally salvation:
A bed! Yesss!
And yet the first few days in New Zealand were really not easy, because our good friend Mr. Jet Lag accompanied us at every step. We’d like to share with you what helped us.
Hope it helps!
Step 1 - What is Jet Lag Anyway?
Finding the right flight is an art. But no matter how you fly, with extremely long distances, you adjust all your clocks by 10 to 12 hours. Except one: Your body’s internal clock initially resists and takes a while to adjust. Add to this the exhaustion from the long flight on which you probably didn’t sleep well. This is what you experience as jet lag.
User question:
How does jet lag affect the body?
User question:
Does age make a difference?
Step 2 - What Helps Against Jet Lag?
Here they come: The top three tips against jet lag. Generally, it all revolves around your internal clock and how quickly you can get your body to adjust to the time change.
Tip 1 - Smart Flying
Firstly, it absolutely makes sense to plan your flight in a way that disrupts your internal system as little as possible. We do it like this nowadays. Basically, you have two options:
Fly with the Sun
For particularly long flights, you can try to "fly with the sun." This way, your body simply experiences a very long day on the plane and handles it much better than an extremely short day followed by sudden night.
Fly Against the Sun
If you're flying "against the sun," you should plan a stopover halfway. This gives you the chance to explore another metropolis and allows your body the opportunity to gradually adjust to the time change.
Tip 2 - Smart Eating
Your internal clock is closely linked to eating and drinking. Plan your meals so that they support the adjustment rather than hinder it. It's worth it, I promise!
Eat Right
Set your watch immediately to the time at your destination airport and try to eat according to the new rhythm. This way, the time on the flight already becomes your first day of adjustment.
Drink Right
Avoid alcohol and caffeine onboard, as they add additional strain to your body. Instead, drink plenty of water because the dry cabin air can cause you to lose a lot of fluids.
Tip 3 - Smart Arrival
Woohoo, finally there! But the jet lag is tough. So, what to do first? The most important thing is to strictly adhere to the new daily rhythm. This greatly helps your body.
Schedule Relaxation Time
Relax after your arrival and give your body time. Your internal clock is 10 to 12 hours behind, after all. It's important to plan your sleep and meals consistently according to the new daily rhythm. For instance, a nap might throw your body off more than it helps.
Schedule Activity Time
If you arrive during the day and find yourself feeling tired, go out for some fresh air instead of collapsing into bed immediately. Especially sunlight greatly aids your body in adjusting, signaling: Hey, it's daytime. Granted, it's not easy, but it's worth it, and your body will thank you.
Note:
About Eating and Drinking After Arrival
Step 3 - Our Conclusion?
Clearly, everyone is different. Even within the KiwiQuest community, everyone experiences jet lag in their own way. Some take longer, some less time.
Try to get good sleep on the plane, make a stopover, and take it easy in the first few days. Give your body fresh air, good food, and plenty of water. And don’t stress yourself out. Jet lag isn’t so severe that it should worry you. After a day or two, you can hit the ground running!
Enjoy your journey!
Other - Helpful Tips for the Flight
No matter what you do, a 25-hour flight is always tough. However, there were a few things that genuinely helped us on our flight. So much so that even Nils managed to sleep a few hours. Maybe they'll help you too.
Note:
Tip - Noise-Canceling Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions
What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...
User question:
Can I completely avoid jet lag?
User question:
Can I rent a car and drive right away?
User question:
Is there jet lag on the return journey as well?
User question:
Do caffeine, alcohol or pills help?
What else is there?
We wish you an amazing adventure!
Welcome to Team KiwiQuest!
Team KiwiQuest
