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Jet Lag: How to Hack Your Body Clock While Travelling

Learn practical tips to beat jet lag and reset your body clock while travelling. From hydration to light exposure, discover how to adapt quickly across time zones

September 30, 2025 / 15:01 IST
Jet Lag: How to Hack Your Body Clock While Travelling

Travelling long distances can be an adventure, yet there is a negative side effect that people wish to avoid; the jet lag. This sleeping disorder or condition is actually a temporary form of sleep disorder that is caused by entering different time zones and having the clock of your body disturbed. Common symptoms are fatigue, irritability and loss of concentration. Although this may not be completely avoidable, travelers can use some of the best strategies to make the transition easier.

Adjust Before You Fly

Shifting your sleeping and eating schedule a few days before the travel aids your body to adjust to the time zone of the destination. Minimal modifications make the shock of sudden change less shocking.

Stay Hydrated in the Air

Cabins of the airlines are drying and aggravate fatigue and headaches. Making sure that you consume lots of water and avoiding alcohol or caffeine, which keep you at par with your energy during the flight, is essential.

Sync with Local Time Quickly

Once there, go with the native daily rhythms. Eat, rest and do everything based on the local time, rather than adhering to your schedule at home. This is an indication to your body to reset quicker.

Use Light Exposure Smartly

Light is important in the control of circadian rhythm. Being in the natural morning sunlight in the new time zone will make you feel more awake and being in the natural light during the evening will make you adjust to sleep faster.

Move Your Body

Light exercises like stretching, walking or yoga will increase circulation and energy. Physical activities post landing will help reduce the post-flight stiffness and enhance the quality of sleep during the night.

Think about Short Naps and Melatonin

This can be done by short naps of 20-30 minutes, not as it will interfere with the night sleep. Melatonin supplements, which some travelers take under the advice of their doctors, might also assist the body clock in adapting to a new rhythm.

Plan Smart Travel Schedules

Whenever possible, via flights arriving at the destination in the evening. Eating and sleeping will fall asleep sooner and acclimatize faster since you will be sleeping at a normal time of the locals.

Jet lag is a natural reaction, and by planning and making some conscious decisions, it is possible to reduce their effects. With hydration, light control, and gradual routines, you will transform the tiresome long-haul trips to less tiresome and more effective travel times.

Nivritti Khatri
first published: Sep 30, 2025 03:00 pm

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