In the fast-paced world of business, where time is money and every second counts, jetlag can be a formidable adversary for business travellers. Balancing packed schedules whilst traversing time zones can place undue stress on the traveller, hampering both well-being and productivity, especially for those flying east and losing precious hours. Here’s a consolidated guide with eleven insightful strategies, aimed at helping business travellers overcome the trials of jetlag and make the most of their time:
Early Time Zone Adjustment: Begin aligning your schedule with your destination a week prior to travel. For short trips within 48 hours, maintaining your original routine is advised.
Synchronise Watches to Destination Time: Ensure your watch reflects your destination’s time zone upon departure to facilitate quicker adjustment.
Choose Direct Flights: Direct flights minimise layovers and disruptions, but if unavoidable, ensure ample connecting time for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Strategise Flight Timing: Book flights that align with your normal waking hours at the destination, avoiding naps upon daytime arrivals to maintain regular sleep patterns.
Maximise Sleep During Travel: Optimise sleep during travel with comfortable accessories and possibly melatonin supplements (consult a doctor). Prioritise sleep, especially when it aligns with night-time at your destination.
Embrace Sunlight: Sunlight exposure regulates melatonin, aiding in adjusting your body clock to the new time zone.
Maintain Hydration: Combat dehydration, a common jetlag symptom, by consuming ample water and fruits during the flight.
Moderate Alcohol and Caffeine Intake: Both can exacerbate jetlag symptoms and disrupt sleep.
Stay Active: Gentle exercises and stretches before, during, and after flights alleviate stiffness and improve circulation.
Consume Balanced Meals: Consume balanced meals to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
Prioritise Traveller Well-Being: Consider integrating well-being practices into your travel programme, such as mandating direct flights, limiting travel frequency, and adding health-oriented hotels to your options.
A BCD survey reveals that 36% of business travellers identified lack of sleep and jetlag as significant stressors during and after trips. Therefore, the necessity of booking the optimal class of service and strategically timing flights is clear. Economy class heightened stress for 40% of respondents on long-haul journeys. Seeking feasible upgrades can thus substantially influence traveller comfort and overall well-being.
Unavoidable layovers should be chosen to allow enough downtime for travellers. Additionally, prioritising traveller well-being through measures like direct flights, frequency limitations, additional time off, and partnerships with health-centric hotels is imperative.
Adopting a holistic approach that amalgamates individual strategies with organisational well-being practices can significantly diminish the adverse effects of jetlag. This fosters a smoother and more productive travel experience. Sharing these strategies and continually exploring ways to enhance traveller support is part of the commitment from Rennies BCD Travel to ensure comprehensive service for every traveller.
