Beating
that Lousy Jet Lag!
If
you are leaving on a jet plane soon, keep a close eye on your fitness
routine. Air travel has a way of throwing exercise and eating
schedules out of whack. Despite the tradition of the tired traveller,
you don’t have to surrender your body to jetlag. It is possible
to battle air fatigue with some old fashioned preventive measures.
Before
you fly:
*
Don’t just pack for your trip, but prepare your body for the
flight by physically gearing up for travel. Time-zone changes can
throw your body rhythms into a frenzy and cause headaches, nausea,
digestive problems and higher blood pressure.
*
Avoid heavy meals and spicy foods in the two days before you fly,
your tummy will thank you!
*
Make it a point to drink more fluids in the days prior to your
departure. Your body will need it because the air in the passenger
section of the aircraft is very dry. Try to drink at least 2 litres
of water every day.
While
you fly:
*
As soon as you buckle your seat belt, adjust your watch to the time
zone of your destination, so you can mentally prepare yourself for
your new hours and nap and eat accordingly.
*
Try to eat foods that are high in fibre to avoid the constipation
that often accompanies dehydration. Don’t drink too much
alcohol, even if it is free, it further dehydrates you. Make sure you
drink lots of water.
*
Try to move around. Although this is not always possible in some
smaller planes, make an effort to walk up and down the aisles of the
larger planes.
After
you land:
*
Studies have shown that a light work out can help overcome the
effects of jetlag, so try mild exercise like a walk or a swim in the
hotel pool, if you feel up to it. Don’t attempt a marathon
however, because your body is still in a state of flux. Let common
sense prevail, if it midnight when you arrive in an unfamiliar city,
don’t go for a long walk outside, head to the hotel gym. There
would not be many (if any!) cities that I would go for a walk for if
it was after midnight!
Helen
Van Den Berg
