How to Beat Jet Lag this Holiday Season

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor

Traveling can take quite a toll on your body. Poor sleep and the exposure to germs in places like airports can weaken your immune system and raise your stress levels. Follow these tips throughout your travels to feel your best before, during and after your trip.

Before You Leave
Planning for your trip means more than choosing which outfits to bring. Taking the right steps to prep your body will set you up for success.

• Strengthen your immune system in the weeks leading up to your trip with additional antioxidants like vitamin C, adaptogen herbs like holy basil and mushrooms like maitake.
• Stock up on plenty of your supplements to bring along, especially since you may be indulging in foods you don't normally consume.
• Try a more relaxing workout the night before travel, like yoga, which will stretch you out -- sore, cramped muscles are no fun while traveling.

While You're In Transit
Now that you've prepped your body, it's time to get on the road. What you do during travel will impact how you feel afterward in every way.

• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, as they'll further disrupt your sleep schedule later.
• Dress comfortably in layers to promote relaxation and store up your energy for when you arrive. Breathable fabrics are best.
• Get up and stretch every hour, no matter your mode of transit. Not only does in promote proper circulation while you're traveling but also sore muscles and swelling after.
• Pack hand sanitizer and an immunity booster to help bolster your body's natural defenses in germ-filled areas.
• Let your body breathe by ditching the heavy makeup and pack some moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out.

Once You Arrive at Your Destination
After arriving in your time zone, you need to take care of yourself to help your body adjust faster, so you don't miss out on any time with friends and family.

• Try to stay up as long as possible, going to bed at the normal time in your new time zone.
• Continue drinking lots of fluids to rehydrate and reduce any bloating or swelling from the flight.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber to assist your digestive system, which can become sluggish. A probiotic is also a good idea for digestive support as well as immunity.
• Do your best to get some regular exercise. Use your own body weight to strength train and pack a jumprope for some cardio that doesn't take up much space.

After You Return Home
Once you get back from your vacation, there are a few simple steps you can take to properly readjust and get back to normal as soon as possible.

• Use a natural sleep aid like melatonin for up to two weeks to reset your sleep cycle back to your regular pattern.
• Return to your normal workout routine gradually, allowing your body ample time to adjust.
• Drink some green juice each morning to get some extra nutrients.
• Continue taking your probiotic to keep your body's natural defenses heightened and restore your digestive system back to regularity.
• Drink plenty of water to rehydrate.

You can find the supplements mentioned in this post at eVitamins. Shop today for great savings. Happy traveling!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/how-beat-jet-lag-holiday-season-1082#.VIgh5cm17uc