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If you love to travel, you know a thing or two about jet lag. Jet lag describes the issues you experience after traveling across more than two time zones. Have you ever traveled to an exciting destination, only to feel weak, tired and irritable when you land? Yep, it happens. But luckily, there are a few jet lag remedies to help you get over it fast, along with any other problems you may experience when traveling.
Landing in a new time zone disrupts your circadian sleep rhythm, or your body’s internal clock, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Jet lag symptoms often include headaches, insomnia, extreme tiredness or drowsiness, an upset stomach, mood changes and just not feeling like yourself — none of which is fun to experience on vacation.
To speed up the recovery process, the hospital system suggests drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, avoiding new foods that may further upset your stomach (for at least the first day of your trip) and getting out in the sun during daylight hours to “jump-start alertness.”
However, here are seven more jet lag remedies, so when you get to your destination, you can start enjoying your trip as soon as possible.
For tight, sore muscles: Theragun Mini, $199
Sitting in a small airplane seat for even just a couple of hours can make your legs and back feel stiff. Not to mention, your legs and feet can swell, too. Stash Therabody’s Theragun Mini in your carry-on and use it to give yourself a powerful massage. The device works by increasing blood flow to support your body’s natural recovery process and, in turn, treats muscle tension.
The Theragun Mini is about 5.5 inches wide and weighs 1.2 lbs. But while it’s super portable, it also packs some serious power. It has three speeds: 1750, 2100 and 2400 percussions per minute. Plus, it has 150 minutes of battery life but takes only about 80 minutes to charge.
For tired eyes: Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches, $52
Whether you were able to fall asleep on the plane or not, these Peter Thomas Roth eye gels will at least make it look like you got a full night’s rest. You get 60 eye patches in the pack, which is enough for 30 treatments and breaks down to about $1.70 per use. Simply apply the eye patches to clean, dry skin under the eyes and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Toss them when you’re done, and gently pat the leftover serum into the skin.
For added de-puffing, keep these patches cold in the fridge. No fridge? You could even place the container in a cup of ice on the plane or in your hotel room for a bit. The extra cooling effect will feel good on your skin.
For an upset stomach: Sunwink Digestion Lemonade, $26.99
You’re not the only one who feels bloated and gassy when flying. Dr. Lawrence J. Brandt, MD and the emeritus chief of gastroenterology at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, explained the phenomenon to travel experts at The Points Guy:
“A balloon is filled with gas, and as it ascends into the atmosphere, the pressure surrounding the balloon decreases, and the gas contained therein increases. The same thing happens to your body. As the pressure around you decreases, the gas in your belly isn’t constrained as much, and it expands. This can make you feel bloated or become distended,” he said.
If you often get off the plane with a stomachache, you could try a digestion aid like Sunwink’s Digestion Lemonade. The prebiotic superfood mix comes in powder form, and you can mix it into water, juice, smoothies and more. According to the product description, it supports a healthy digestive system so you can feel your best.
For when you can’t fall asleep: OLLY Sleep Gummies, $13.99
Adjusting to a new time zone can wreak havoc on your sleep. Try getting comfortable in your new surroundings with a meditation or sleep app like Headspace or Calm. If you need extra help getting some shut-eye, OLLY’s Sleep gummies contain melatonin and L-theanine — a hormone and an amino acid, respectively, both linked to relaxation. And better yet, the gummies taste like blackberries.
For when you can’t shake a bad mood: Mindright Superfood Snack Bars, $29.99
Nothing kills a vacation like a bad mood. However, it can be hard to shake it when you’re overtired and hungry. However, Mindright, a “good mood food” company whose investors include Joe Jonas and Travis Barker, makes snack bars and beverage enhancers to help you feel happier (and less hungry).
According to the product description, Mindright’s Superfood Snack Bars can improve your mood, energy and focus. The plant-based protein bars contain a proprietary blend of all-natural brain-boosting antioxidants, nootropics and adaptogens designed to support a happy and healthy mind. Plus, they taste really good. Try flavors like Chocolate Sea Salt and Peanut Butter Cup.
[Editor’s note: These really work!]
For when your skin is dry: Highline Wellness CBD Facial Mist, $20
The air in a plane’s cabin is not ideal for any skin type. Celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau explained to Well + Good that airplane air can make dry skin drier and oily skin oilier. Hydration is key in preventing skin woes, so wear your favorite moisturizer and drink plenty of water. However, if you want a little refresh mid-flight, you can also use a hydrating mist like Highline Wellness’ CBD Facial Mist.
CBD in skin care can help reduce inflammation, and this mist in particular contains antioxidants to keep skin looking fresh and healthy. Not to mention, it contains willow bark extract and orange and rosemary oils, so it smells amazing.
For when you need a boost of energy: The Good Patch B12 Awake, $12
Yes, these kind of look like those nicotine patches for people trying to quit smoking. However, The Good Patch makes stick-on patches with good-for-you ingredients to help you fall asleep, feel calm, feel less hungover and even feel more energized.
The Good Patch B12 Awake patches contain caffeine, green tea and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 may improve your energy levels, making you feel more awake and “with it.”
If you’re feeling tired on your trip, simply put a patch on your wrist or any venous area that is clean and dry. You can wear one for up to 12 hours.
If you liked this article, read about how TikTok users and Amazon shoppers rave about this liquid multimineral: ‘The best sleep of my life.’
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