No matter where you travel, whether it be across the state, country or globe, it can be pretty stressful. Staying healthy while traveling is a key factor, and the traveler should maintain a high state of wellness to prevent complications towards illnesses after his trip. After my recent trip across the country, I realized that traveling doesn’t come easy for everyone and it can be quite stressful on our health.
Jetlag Blues
The most common effect of constant traveling across different time zones is the jetlag. It is defined as the feeling of an individual of having similar symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and general irritability caused by a tired mind. The new environment and the new culture, as well as the new body clock system may distort the normal time for rest of an individual. This would cause consistent stress on the body functions, resulting to an inefficient output of energy by the different organs which are dependent on day and night settings. When I was visiting Texas, I was a few hours ahead of my normal time so having to get up in the morning was more tiring as usual. The time change really can get you in a funk and before you know it you’re not getting as much sleep and a little more tired.
A jetlag is commonly experienced a few days at max by a traveler until such time that internal homeostasis is achieved by manually calibrating sleep and dietary
patterns with the new place.
Dehydration Is One Of The Main Culprits
Another reason which causes discomfort on a traveler such as headaches and nausea are caused by dehydration during the flight. The mere duration of the flight is enough to deprive the human body of enough water and fluids to maintain efficient hydration. I personally don’t like to drink a lot of fluids on an airplane because getting up and using the bathroom isn’t a comfortable experience. Climbing over the passengers, or even having to wait in line for it. Just to squeeze into this tiny little bathroom. No thanks! I’d rather not drink anything. But the problem with that is I get dehydrated by the end of the day and it definitely effects me on my trip. Furthermore, the different pressure changes happening to the internal cabin also affect the body functions and metabolic speeds, and therefore the consumption of fluids inside the body.
It is advisable to drink constantly throughout the flight with clear water to keep the body hydrated and supplied. As dehydration sets in, the flow of blood is slowed down. This blood is essential to carry oxygen to the different parts of the body, especially to the brain. A lack of oxygen supply would result therefore in a more irritable personality, and also a sleepy feeling due to the lack of oxygen and increase of carbon dioxide instead.
One of the most effective ways to combat the effects of traveling such as jetlag and disorientation is to sleep well before the flight, during the flight, and after the flight. This way, the traveler has more energy and during and after the trip to do the things they want.
Here are a few other ways you can help make your traveling less stressful:
- Download all your videos and movies ahead of time to your device. Netflix now allows to download and view shows offline
- Bring an empty water bottle to fill up after security if flying
- Pack your bags further in advance to ensure a good nights sleep
- Wear comfortable clothes and pack a light carry on bag
- Pack toys, games, snacks and entertainment for kids
- Download the Uber App in advance if you need to catch a ride
- Pack some medicine in case of a head ache or illness
- Bring an extra phone cable or battery charger
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