Jet lag can be a real downer after a fun holiday, but there’s good news! A seasoned British Airways pilot has shared his top 10 tips for beating it without spending a penny. Al Smith, who has soared through countless time zones, knows a thing or two about staying fresh and alert. Here’s how you can do it too:
1. Clip hotel curtains together with a coat hanger for that perfect daytime nap.
2. Go easy on the booze – it’s not your sleep’s best friend.
3. Avoid long naps over three hours on arrival day; if it’s late afternoon, hold out for an early bedtime instead.
4. Love your tea? Swap for high-quality decaf so you can sip any time.
5. Nap smart but don’t doze off in public places like the Tokyo subway – oops!
6. Switch phones to sleep mode at night to keep disturbances at bay.
7. Resist the urge to shop when tired; Al once bought an entire store’s toiletries after landing in Seattle!
8. Don’t oversleep on arrival; it’ll only drag the jet lag blues on longer.
9. Catch some sunlight and enjoy light exercise. It’s a natural body clock reset!
10. Stay off the bed if you’re trying to stay awake. Seriously, it’s a trap!
According to Al, sleep hygiene is key. He transforms each new bedroom into a cosy haven by ensuring pitch-black darkness. Plantation shutters with blackout screens are his go-to. Temperature matters too – he keeps it just right with aircon and quality bedding.
The crucial bit? Don’t turn landing day into a to-do list marathon. Al notes oversleeping can lead to insomnia. If he glances at the clock twice in the same hour, he knows it’s time to grab a warm non-caffeinated drink and watch a bit of telly instead of tossing and turning all night.
Ready to make jet lag a distant memory? Dive into these practical tips and make your post-holiday return as smooth as possible! 🌍✈️😴