Adapting to different time zones when traveling can be a challenge, especially when you’re jet-setting off to a foreign country. Your circadian rhythm gets thrown off, you may become absentminded, or you might become a little dehydrated and cranky.

Not fun! People who are used to traveling frequently know a few things about how to keep it together. That would include people like Arne Sorenson, the CEO of Marriott International, who is a busy international (and domestic) traveler.

As someone who spends 200 nights away from home each year, he’s learned how to hack it. So, what tricks has he learned along the way?

1. Draw Back the Curtains

   Once you’ve touched down at your destination and checked into your hotel room, open the curtains. Let that sunshine come pouring into your room to help you get in sync with the daylight schedule where you are staying. Exposure to natural light through the windows can ease your inner clock into a different routine.

   Sorenson stated he does this whether it’s daytime or nighttime so he’s able to adjust to his surroundings. That includes the bustle and bright lights of a city! Operate according to that location’s schedule and you’ll have an easier time coping with the changes to your sleep pattern.

2. Reading Things on Paper

   Sorenson has a personal preference to read paper, which can either make someone sleepy or keep them alert. Some say that reading on a backlit device like a tablet is more likely to keep them awake, but when it comes to beating jet lag, you’ll need to figure out if you’re trying to stay up or put yourself to sleep.

One of Sorenson’s other tips is to exercise. Getting up for an early morning run or other activity wakes the body and gives the inner clock a jolt of sunlit energy. Whatever routine you’re used to following at home, stick to it! Studies show exercise can cut the effects of jet lag down by days.

There are also some things you can do before your arrival to a new time zone to thwart the jet lag monster. Be careful about accepting that glass of champagne or vodka shot on a flight, as alcohol can dehydrate the body and also disrupt your sleep. For long flights, coffee should also be avoided since it can also interfere with your sleeping habits.

Traveling across time zones can be pretty taxing on the body and brain, but if you prepare in advance, the feeling of being ill or having a never-ending hangover can be avoided. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, take vitamins, and practice getting on a new sleep schedule a of couple days before your trip.

We’re sure you don’t want to your trip to Paris or Tahiti to be a miserable plate of fatigue, headaches, and forgetfulness. To hear more travel wisdom from Arne Sorenson, click on this short clip from Travel & Leisure. Happy travels!

What do you think of these travel tips? Have you learned any good tricks for traveling across time zones? How do you cope with jet lag?

Source:

Business Insider