Today we continue our countdown to Celebration Japan with our weekly series focusing on the different planning aspects of such a big trip.
Today, we look at the dreaded jetlag that comes with long flights.
There’s no denying that excitement is building for Japan. For me, personally, it’s now on my mind daily. Then, every now and again, I remember just long the flight will be and the I can visualise the damned jetlag already. I’ve only experienced jetlag properly once and it thankfully wasn’t too bad, but this one could be different. Below, we’ll outline the best tips I’ve come across and the ones I’ll be putting into practice myself.
1. Avoid Heavy Foods
It’s easily done when you’re at the airport before you go on your holiday. In fact, it’s something of a tradition for many. Get to the airport, check in the bags and head for a good old fry-up or fast-food takeaway. This is all good-and-dandy as you head for your summer jollies but as some of us are about to depart on an 18 hour plus trip then the research shows that the lighter the meals, the better it can be on your body to help with fatigue. That stodgy feeling when you land in Japan won’t help your mood or exhaustion when battling jetlag. Less food to digest means less work for your body to do and it can concentrate on beating jetlag quicker. Stick to light meals which brings us onto the next tip.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
I’m going to botch the science on this but as best as I understand it the higher the altitude your body is then the quicker it dehydrates. We’ll be in the air a long time, so let’s assume that the dehydration of your body will be happening for a long time too. This is just common sense that a good amount of water is great for overall health but while we’re in the air, our body will need that bit of extra support. If you’re hydrated and healthy when you touch down in Japan, it’s one less thing to worry about.
3. Set Your Watch From The Off
This one I found fascinating and something I’ll be doing. It’s more physiological, requires no effort and worth a shot. It’s simple, as soon as you take off from your home turf, set your watch, phones, tablets and anything else to the destination time of Japan. While you will know, quite literally, it’s only the time it is where you are, whilst you’re on the plane your subconscious will be starting to adjust and tick over on your NEW time zone. The mind can be a powerful thing so let’s see if it works.
4. Sleeping Tablets, Caffeine and Alcohol
This one is simple but well known. Basically, avoid all of these on your flight to help ease any jetlag in Japan. Sleeping tablets are tricky at best in life and caffeine is a natural stimulant so it’ll be kickstarting your body and giving you a come down – all whilst sitting down on the plane. Alcohol, meanwhile, well – all know about that one. You’ll want to keep your body as natural as possible when landing in Japan.
5. And Snooze…
We’ll need a lot to keep us entertained on our flights to Japan, no matter where you’re coming from. It’ll no doubt be a case of throwing everything at it. Movies, books, newspapers, word searches, music, colouring – anything! At some point though, you’ll want to get some shut eye. Ear plugs, eye masks and blankets will be good to aid with this but the more natural (and hopefully deep) rest your body can get will give your system all the more power to adjust to the new elements in your new setting.
6. It’s Japan Time
This one is my favourite but perhaps might be the trickiest to execute depending on how exhausted you are. Basically, the tip is this; whatever time you land in Japan, you finish the day by that time. For example, all being well, I’m due to land in Tokyo at around 3pm. By the time I’ve got through the airport and got to the hotel, let’s say its 6pm. The temptation may be for me to then just go straight to sleep. However, the most proven way to get over jetlag quicker is to finish the day on the new time. So, for me the plan is to drop the bags and head out for a bit of food, and much needed exercise by that point too. After that, I’ll try, repeat try, to maybe then head to sleep at around 10pm – Japan time. If you’re landing in the daytime then great, head out for a gentle stroll and the sunlight will trick your body instantly into thinking its daytime and help with adjusting, even though, you’ll be absolutely shattered as you’re still technically on about 4am.
Join us next week as we talk Disney Parks in Japan.