Words: Avanti Kumar Singh, MD
As summer winds down, many of us take the opportunity for one last summer adventure before the season’s end. Whether it’s a family vacation or a spontaneous solo getaway, traveling during this time of year often involves crossing time zones, which can disrupt our circadian rhythm and lead to jet lag. Here are 5 Ayurvedic remedies for jet lag that can help you recover naturally and restore your body’s balance.
- Sync with the sun.
Exposure to natural sunlight is crucial for resetting your circadian rhythm, the internal clock that dictates the sleep-wake cycle. Upon arrival, spend time outdoors to help your body adjust to the new time zone. - Stay hydrated.
Air travel can be dehydrating, which makes jet lag worse. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to keep your body hydrated. Try adding a pinch of Soma salt or a squeeze of fresh lime to enhance hydration and help balance your body. - Act like a local.
Eat and sleep on local time as soon as possible. This might mean having meals and going to bed at times that feel unusual, but aligning your habits with the local time helps reset your internal clock and reduces the duration of jet lag symptoms. - Ground yourself.
Practice Abhyanga, a self-massage with warm oil, to ground your body and calm your nervous system. This Ayurvedic practice can help you feel more settled and relaxed after travel. - Breathe deeply.
Breathwork, such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), can help regulate your energy levels and support your body in adapting to the new environment.
These natural practices can help ease the transition into a new time zone and restore balance to your body and mind. Remember, the key to effective jet lag recovery is to listen to your body and give yourself time to adjust.
Dr. Avanti teaches people how to heal themselves by unleashing their innate healing power and educating students on how to support self-healing through routines, diet, and tools of yoga. She works with individuals and groups to replenish their mental, physical, and emotional energy so they can live a vibrant life with more joy, meaning, and purpose. Find out more at www.avantikumarsingh.com/
