Every high-flying entrepreneur knows the scene: the thrill of sealing deals across time zones and the allure of racking up frequent flyer miles. But for those of us who’ve been in the high-altitude club for a while, we’re no strangers to the less glamorous side of business travel. Jet lag, the bane of high-flyers, often lurks in the shadows of our journeys, ready to sap the energy and cloud the minds of even the most seasoned traveler.

10 Practical Tips To Help Your Teams Stay Sharp and Avoid Jet Lag When Travelling for Business

The battle with jet lag is real – it disrupts our body clock, diminishes our alertness, and, let’s be honest, can make the first few days at a new destination feel like wading through treacle. This is not just tough on you team but can have a real impact on your business outcomes. But here’s the silver lining: these challenges, while common, can be tackled head-on. With some savvy strategies and a helping hand from Business First Travel, you can make jet lag a thing of the past. Ready for takeoff? Then let’s dive in!

1. Sync to Win: Pre-Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

Ease into your destination’s time zone before you leave to minimise jet lag.

Embarking on a business trip can be as exciting as it is stressful, but when jet lag enters the scene, it’s a whole different ball game. To sidestep this unwelcome guest, start aligning your sleep schedule with your destination’s timezone a few days before departure. This gradual shift can ease the transition and reduce fatigue upon arrival. Think of it as a warm-up for your internal clock, so when you land, you’re not just ready for business, you’re ready to shine, day or night.

2. Flight Timing: Choose for Sleep Alignment

Book flights that allow you to harmonise with local time upon arrival.

Timing is everything in travel, and it’s also key to beating jet lag. Booking a flight that lands in the evening local time means you can dive straight into the local rhythm. Once you touch down, there’s no pressure to power through the day; you can simply unwind and let sleep claim you naturally. It’s a strategic move that can help mitigate the effects of time zone hopping and ensure you wake up refreshed and ready for action.

3. Hydration is Key: Combat Cabin Dryness

Stay hydrated to fight fatigue and keep jet lag at bay.

The air up there in the clouds is drier than any boardroom, which means staying hydrated is non-negotiable. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your flight isn’t just about quenching thirst—it’s about keeping your body in peak condition to tackle jet lag. Steer clear of alcohol and caffeine, as they’re the archenemies of hydration and restful sleep. Think of water as your in-flight superpower, keeping you alert and agile.

4. Nutrition on the Go: Fuel Wisely

Select meals that fuel your body and help you adjust to new routines.

A well-fed traveler is a well-prepared traveler, but what you eat can make or break your jet lag experience. Choosing lighter meals packed with fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help you maintain energy levels and adapt to time changes more swiftly. It’s all about feeding your body the right fuel for the journey. Rich, heavy meals might be tempting, but they could leave you feeling sluggish when you need to be at your best.

5. Sunlight: Nature’s Jet Lag Remedy

Use natural light to reset your internal clock and recover faster.

The sun is your ally against the disorientation of jet lag. Sunlight cues your body to the local time, helping to reset your internal clock. If you arrive when the sun’s up, immerse yourself in the daylight; if it’s nighttime, keep your environment dim. This natural regulator helps your body understand when it’s time to be active and when it’s time to wind down, getting you back on track, bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed for the day’s challenges.

6. Stay Active: In-Flight Movement Matters

Incorporate simple exercises to maintain energy and comfort during flights.

Confinement to an airplane seat is nobody’s idea of comfort, especially when it’s for hours on end. To counter this, make in-flight movement part of your travel routine. Stroll down the aisles, stretch, or engage in discreet seat exercises. These simple actions can fend off stiffness and invigorate your body, combating the lethargy that feeds jet lag. It’s not just about staying limber; it’s about maintaining your personal best—even at 30,000 feet.

7. Calm Mind, Smooth Travel: Stress-Reducing Techniques

Utilise mindfulness practices to transition smoothly across time zones.

The power of the mind is a remarkable thing, particularly when combating the stresses of travel and jet lag. Embracing techniques like meditation or deep-breathing exercises can significantly reduce anxiety and enhance your overall travel experience. A calm mind is better equipped to adapt to new time zones and overcome the mental fog of jet lag. It’s about setting a serene stage for your internal clock to follow suit.

8. Tech for Rest: Gadgets to Fight Jet Lag

Leverage technology to promote better sleep and quicker adaptation.

Technology has given us a treasure trove of tools to outsmart jet lag. Utilise sleep-inducing apps, white noise machines, or sleep-tracking wearables to craft a restful in-flight experience. These gadgets can be your allies in setting the scene for restorative rest and seamless transitions between time zones. Leveraging tech in your travel arsenal puts you at the forefront of the fight against fatigue.

9. Strategic Relaxation: Schedule Downtime

Plan for leisure to enhance focus and productivity on your trip.

Incorporating leisure into your business trip may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually a strategic component of your overall performance. Allowing time for relaxation can sharpen your focus and increase productivity in the long run. Schedule a brief respite to explore, unwind, or simply breathe. This quality downtime is not a luxury—it’s an investment in your most precious resource: your well-being.

10. Support on Standby: Travel Management Matters

Give yourself the edge with a travel partner that manages the details for you.

Adjusting to new time zones doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Building in a buffer day for acclimatisation, especially before pivotal meetings or events, can make all the difference. And with a dedicated corporate travel manager like Business First Travel, you’re not alone. We manage the minutiae so that you can focus on your health and your work. We’re not just your travel agency; we’re your travel partner, ensuring every trip is as seamless as it is successful.

The Business First Approach To Travel

At Business First Travel, we understand that the vigour of your business is reflected in the well-being of your team. When travel takes a toll, it’s not just the individual who feels it, but the ripple effects touch every aspect of your business. That’s why we advocate for a balanced approach to business travel where productivity and traveler wellness go hand in hand.

We’re here to assure you that with the right approach, frequent business travel can be a positive, invigorating experience. By adopting these tips and leaning on the tailored support of Business First Travel, your team can not only manage but master the art of traveling well.

So, the next time you’re planning a business trip, remember, we’re just a message away. Get in touch with us at Business First Travel for a consultation, and let us help you turn those travel woes into wows, making every journey as rewarding as the destination itself.