Jet Lag

Stephanie shared a great link:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/jetlag-cures?xid=NL_TLDaily030716CureJetLag

Seven Ways to Cure Jet Lag (That Actually Work!)
Whether you’re just starting out on an adventure or returning from a dream trip, nothing puts a damper on your pre- and post-vacation glow quite like jet lag. And, while there are many products out there that claim to kick it to the curb—a sleep-tracking app, a magical drink, a freezing cold ice-chamber—finding the remedies that actually work can be a bit dizzying. 
So, what rids travelers of that debilitating fatigue? Turns out there isn't a quick fix. But, we did some digging, and found seven ways to get you looking and feeling fabulous in (almost) no time.

Get Some Vitamin D and B
Vitamin B-12 is a natural way to keep your body alert and energized, without the shaky side effects of energy drinks. Vitamin D, natural or supplemental, are related to the melatonin levels in your body—a hormone that helps get your body ready for sleep. So get out and soak up some sun (with sunscreen on, of course.)

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

While your first instinct when you’re feeling exhausted is to head to the nearest coffee house, the smartest thing you can do is resist. Not only are both these substances stimulants, but they also dehydrate you—making your jet lag worse.

Hydrate

Long flights can leave you stiff, tired and extremely dehydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your trip to alleviate your jet lag symptoms, fast.

Find Your Light

This may be the most effective way to combat your fatigue. Jet lag happens when your circadian rhythm is thrown off, making you feel tired.  Manipulating your light exposure can help reset it.  Limit the amount of artificial light (yes, this is full permission to wear your sunglass inside) and increase the amount of natural light your body is exposed to. Natural light not only gives you vitamin D but it’s what your body’s clock adjusts to.  Heading East? Look out for that morning sun. Heading West? The afternoon sun is all you need.

Stretch it Out

Traveling can be stressful and stress can make the effects of jet lag even worse. A quick yoga session can help you relax and get things moving again—including your energy level. From your hotel room, or your living room, follow these tips for doing yoga anywhere

Grab a Juice

The burst of nutrients will help refresh and re-hydrate. Bonus: it will give your immune system a boost too—goodbye, airplane germs.

Take Melatonin

Taking some of this natural hormone supplement a half hour before sleep can assist you in sticking to your current time zone’s schedule. 

My Thoughts:

There are a couple things I find that definitely help me get on track for the trip and then back on track when I get home. 

First I like to take a flight so I arrive at our destination in the morning or early afternoon.  I try and get as much sleep as I can (sleeping aids) on the plane and then stay up until night time.  I am usually so tired by the time I go to bed that I fall directly asleep.  This helps to force my system onto the new time.

Second, on the way home I try NOT to sleep at all.  This usually means that I am totally exhausted by the time I get home but I will wait until evening to go to bed.  Once again I am so tired that I fall right to sleep which helps force my system back to normal time. 

Also – the number one thing you can do during the flights and throughout the trip is to STAY HYDRATED!  We always purchase water directly before boarding – after you have been through security.  You can always ask for water on the plane but it is nice to have a full supply in case the flight attendants get busy.  Also many times they serve the food first and come back to serve drinks.  I like to have something to drink with my food. 

If you are flying a foreign airline, be sure to bring snacks.  You might not like your meal and you don’t want to be hungry.