Why is travel becoming more and more popular among our generation? Maybe it’s the ease of logistics and travel. Or maybe we’re a curious group of people searching for experiences we wouldn’t normally find in the comfort of our hometown.
Even with the number of advancements in engineering, technology, and logistics over the past decade, flying and travel is not the cheapest of hobbies. If you have ever traveled you also know how exhausting it can be. Because traveling is so valuable, you want to make sure you can get the most out of it.
Whether you’re a novice who just booked their first flight or a nomad who booked their nth flight, here are a few tips to staying energized.
Be well rested before you leave
If you’ve ever flown before, you know how much of a drag jet lag can be. You’ve probably often thought, is there any way around jet lag or is this part of traveling inevitable? While there is no magic pill you can take to cure jet lag, there are a few things that will lessen its effects.
First, start with getting regular well rested nights of sleep ahead of your trip. If you’ve ever felt like you need to catch up on your sleep, now more than ever is the best time. It’ll be much more difficult to get your sleep back once you’re international or cross country.
To help combat jet lag, you can adjust your sleep schedule to synchronize with your destination’s time zone. In increments, try going to bed earlier or later each night by fifteen minutes depending on the direction of your flight and whether you’re losing or gaining time.
Exhaustion won’t be a problem when you land. However, Once you land you should spend time adjusting to the new time zone.
Adjusting your body’s clock
Why exactly do we experience jet lag? Our body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock, regulates our eating and sleeping patterns, which is why we tend to feel hunger and tiredness at regular times during the day. Both temperature and daylight are cues our body uses that help control our circadian rhythm.
When you arrive to your destination, it’s important you spend some time outside to allow your body to acclimate. Your circadian rhythm will quickly catch up. If you don’t feel as if you have the energy to explore your destination, enjoy a nice cup of coffee. Going to a cafe also gives you a chance to figure out how to spend your first breakfast in town.
Make every meal count
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day. During the night, while you’re sleeping, your body experiences a fasting period. Breakfast replenishes your body with the sustenance and nutrients you need to have an energetic start to your day.
It’s easy to skip a meal when you’re on your feet all day trying to make the most of your experiences. Having regular meals will provide you with the energy you need for your journey. Besides, no one likes to travel with someone who’s hangry. A part of traveling is also enjoying the different food cultures have to offer. It’s the best of both worlds.
Avoid technology
In today’s world, technology has become seamlessly integrated into our lives. Without technology, we might not have been inspired to explore. But, because of technology, we might feel obligated to stay plugged into work during our time off — spending the evening with our faces behind the computer screen.
Not only will work drain your energy, but you’ll be likely to miss everything going on around you. Apart from creating a distracting environment, technology also tricks your body’s circadian rhythm. That is, if you spend too much time looking at a lit screen, you will find it more difficult for your body to recognize when it’s time to sleep.
Get enough sleep
My last tip for you is to get enough sleep. When you’re in a new place for a limited time, you want to make sure you can experience everything you can, including the nightlife. Finding time to sleep can be difficult, but with enough of it, you’ll be able to experience all your adventures to their fullest.
Try sleeping on the go. What I mean is, sleep while you’re riding on the train, the bus, or in a car. There are also many other alternatives to optimize the amount of time you spend sleeping and making the most of your journey.
Also, before you book your hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, you might want to take a closer look if you need specific accommodations. Most people want to find the trendiest Airbnb that will make for the best Instagram story regardless of comfortability. Check the review pages to make sure sleep arrangements satisfy your needs, especially if you back pains, insomnia, or any other sleep complication.
Having enough energy on your trip is essential for making your experiences last a lifetime. Now that all my secrets are out, it’s your chance to make the most of your next journey.