Namaskar - Apr09

Yoga Remedy
Coming to Peace with Jet Lag
Sarah Avant Stover
The world is getting smaller and we are traveling more frequently. We are experiencing more jet lag and overall disturbance in our
innate, circadian rhythms that are so essentially to keeping us healthy, sane, and happy. Since I have schlepped back and forth
between the USA and Asia at least once a year for the past decade, it is fair to say that I know a thing or two about jet lag.
Like a good recipe may take several rounds to perfect, coming to peace with all the icky-ness of jet lag (disrupted sleep cycles, grogginess,
even delirium), has taken some trial and error. During two of my trips this past year, I actually experienced no jet lag at all for the first time
and I believe I have finally found an effective combination of remedies and strategies to help.
Whether you are flying across a single time zone or around the world, the effects of flying take a toll in disrupting your biorhythms. For
shorter trips, you can tone down the following recommendations and pick and choose the most pertinent. For those of you longhaulers,
I would adhere to this 100%!
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1. WATER
Most important, drink tons of water! I
know everyone tells you this—but do you
really do it? I bring an empty water bottle,
empty thermos, and tea bags. Have a flight
attendant fill these up at the start of the
flight and keep sipping and refilling….
2. VITAMIN C
Take 1,000 mg every 2 hours (less if you
experience loose stools). You can either take
this as a pill or by dissolving a packet of
“Emergen-C” in a glass of water.
3. INVERT
When you go to the bathroom (from
drinking all of that water), hang out in an
open space in the back or in front of an
emergency exit and bend forward. Keep
your feet hip-width apart and hold onto
your elbows (so that your arms surround
your head like a picture frame). Bend your
knees if you need to. Stay here for at least
10 breaths.
4. HOMEOPATHY
I take a homeopathic remedy called “No Jet-
Lag.” You can purchase it at a natural food
store or pharmacy. Take one capsule at take
off and then again every 2-4 hours while in
flight. It works!
5. MOVE YOUR JOINTS
On your next trip to the bathroom, hang
out before returning to your seat. Circle
your ankles, wrists, shoulders, knees, hips,
and neck. After so many hours of sitting,
bring some fluidity and movement back
into your joints. This will help keep your
energy from becoming stagnant.
6. EAT WELL
Avoid caffeine and alcohol and be sure not
to overeat. I know this is hard to do when
spending long hours in the airport and
airplane. My little sister justifies airport
McDonald’s binges by saying, “What
happens in the airport, stays in the airport,”
but you will feel it and regret it!
Eat lightly and pack your own snacks (I like
apples, almonds, and Lara Bars). If you’re
really hard core, pack your own meals to
avoid the packaged, and often very overly
salted, airline food that is sure to make you
feel bloated and lethargic. You can also
request a “Fruit Plate” in advance, this will
help keep you feeling light and hydrated.
The people next to you will be jealous.
7. SUNSHINE, EXERCISE & NO NAPPING!
Upon landing, if it is still daylight, get
outside in the sun and fresh air. Take a walk
or do some exercise (again, to get your
energy moving). Whatever you do, don’t
take a nap! Try to stay up until your usual
bedtime. If you arrive at night, get on the
floor and do some gentle, slow stretching
and be sure to breathe fully and deeply.
8. INVERT AGAIN
Before going to bed, swing your legs up the
wall (so that your hips are against the wall
and your back is on the bed). If you have
any tightness in your lower back or the backs
of your legs, scoot your pelvis a little further
away from the wall until you feel at ease.