Jet lag? What jet lag?

The exhilaration that comes with international travel can be dampened somewhat by an abrupt change in schedule caused by a difference in time zone, known as "jet lag." Arriving at a destination at lunchtime after having seemingly left at dinnertime on the same day can make it difficult to adjust to the new schedule. Especially after a day of travel, one can feel inclined to go to bed at the standard hour and rise the next day, feeling invigorated.

Many, however, have experienced the undesired consequence of waking up, fully rested, in the middle of the night or not being able to wake up until early afternoon. Their biological clocks are still running on their local time from back home, and unless sleeping habits are changed, then can go many days on this irregular schedule.

So what's the solution? How do you minimize or completely avoid this jet lag? The answer is simple, but it takes willpower. Adapt your schedule to the local time. In other words, even if it's already 1:30am for you and it's only 7:30pm where you are, stay up for another 4 hours until the regular sleeping hour. Or even it's only 8:00pm for you but midnight where you are, go to bed and do your best to fall asleep. (I usually don't have this problem because traveling in itself makes me feel like it takes 4 hours out of my day) In fact, the same advice goes for meal times - assimilate to the local time.

Although I haven't traveled too much, after talking to others who have and trying out this advice for myself, I am convinced that this is how you can minimize jet lag. Adjust yourself to the local schedule and make the most out of your vacation.