Traveling the world has all the bonuses one could wish for, unfortunately one of the downsides of jetting around visiting those fabulous destinations plays havoc with our bodies.
This comes when our circadian clock is upset from its comfort zone, and a change in its normal 24-hour clock routine.
Try flying to the UK from New Zealand in economy class nonstop! You will certainly notice changes to energy levels, abilities to sleep at the right time.
Suffering what some times appears to be the mother of all hangovers.
A few days prior to leaving on your trip if it is a long distance flight consider changing your sleeping habits closer to those of the country you are visiting.
Traveling in a western direction, I always find harder than going east.
Traveling west it may help to go to bed an hour later than usual and get up an hour later.
When flying in eastern directions go to bed earlier, getting up earlier.
Do this over the course of say a week or ten days gradually adjusting your body to the new time zones.
Make your diet a healthy one if possible for the few days before leaving.
People try all sorts of remedies to try to get on top of the headaches, tiredness, light headed feelings, and eyes that need match sticks to keep them open.
There are homeopathic tablets called No jet lag and many people swear by them.
Follow the instructions of course; generally, take one on each takeoff, then one every two hours while on the move.
Once you have landed, take another, it is a natural product it may suit you as an individual.
It contains Arnica Montana Leopard's Bane, Bellis Perennis Daisy, Chamomile Wild Chamomile, Ipecacuanha Ipecac, Lycopodium Clubmoss.
Others will get a prescription from their Doctor for a sleeping tablet just for the flight.
Personally I cannot bring myself to do this because the risk of a deep vein thrombosis, I feel is increased by the mere fact of sleeping in the confined space of an airline seat with out leg movements.
Restricting movement on long haul flights can cause this medical problem, which on occasion can be fatal.
Things to do during a long flight include getting up and wandering through the aisles, drinking plenty of water.
Alcohol is not recommended, although who can help being tempted! Flying in a pressurized aircraft cabin can cause dehydration, thus the reason for drinking water and avoiding alcohol.
Some studies suggest that avoiding airline meals all together, so on landing go with the first meal of the day at your destination to fast track your exit from jet lag.
Set your watch to the local time so that you know what meals to expect when you arrive.
Make your self-comfortable with a small neck cushion or pillow and prepare to enjoy your flight and a relaxed arrival for your journey.