Jet Lag No More: How to Reset Fast After a Long Haul

There’s nothing glamorous about jet lag. One minute you're sipping wine at 35,000 feet dreaming of your first day in a new city, the next you’re wide awake at 3 a.m., googling “how to fix my sleep schedule” for the hundredth time. If long-haul flights leave you feeling like your body is stuck in two time zones at once, you’re not alone. But the good news? There are ways to bounce back faster. Here’s how I personally tackle jet lag—and how you can too.

1. Start the Reset Before You Land

One trick I swear by is adjusting my schedule a few days before the flight. If I’m heading east, I go to bed a little earlier each night; if I’m flying west, I stay up later. On the flight, I try to sync with my destination’s time zone—eating, sleeping, and even watching movies at the “right” times. It’s not foolproof, but it helps my body get a head start.

2. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job

Planes are dry. Like, sahara desert dry. Dehydration makes jet lag worse, so I skip the in-flight wine (I know, tragic) and chug water like I’m training for a hydration competition. I even bring electrolyte tablets to drop into my water bottle mid-flight—it makes a big difference.

3. Don’t Nap—Go for a Walk

As tempting as a nap is when you arrive, resist the urge. Instead, I force myself to get outside. Natural sunlight is the single best way to reset your internal clock, and a walk helps me shake off that heavy, foggy feeling. Bonus points if there’s coffee involved.