Exercise as an effective way to fight jet lag and keep you fresh
Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center recommends exercise as an effective way to fight jet lag and keep you fresh
If you’ve ever crossed several time zones during a long flight, you will most likely have experienced symptoms of jet lag. No matter how seasoned a traveler you are, jet lag is a common problem that most everyone deals with, some better than others.
Jet lag is the result of problems with your circadian rhythm, or biological clock, which remains set on the place you departed from and requires time to adjust to your new destination, more so if you’ve crossed multiple time zones. It may come right away or some time after you’ve landed, and further symptoms like loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, constipation and grogginess can last for several days afterwards in the worst-case situations.
Fortunately, there are a number of remedies that can help. Chief among them is exercise. By compelling your body into physical activity, you can overcome fatigue, insomnia, and other jet lag symptoms better than you would by suffering through it.
Exercising may be the last thing you want to do at any time around your travels, but willing yourself to do it can make a huge difference. Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center advises you to consider these exercise tips while traveling for jet lag
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Before flight: If you have the energy, try a high-intensity workout to burn off some calories and reduce travel stress; brisk laps in airport work too
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During flight: You may be confined, but exercises on the plane are very helpful and will keep your blood flowing while also making you feel less cramped and tight; try ab twists, inner thigh squeezes, neck, shoulder and hip stretches; also be sure to get up and walk around the plane periodically
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After flight: Jet lag may take some time to set in, so you should exercise the day you arrive or next day, even if it’s a short walk at moderate intensity
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Try to exercise at the same time each day, which has been found to help people better adapt to even significant time shifts
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Normal hydration may be reduced from the flight, so stay hydrated
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Avoid naps, which can further interfere with circadian rhythms
Don’t let your next trip be plagued by jet lag and use exercise as a tool to fight it. For additional exercises or more information to help you, visit . Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center Edison, NJ. Call 732- 494-5999 to schedule an appointment.