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Photo assignments often require that Chris and I fly overseas to time zones that are 7–14 hours different from our home. Almost always, we walk off the plane and immediately go to work, without down time. We can do this because we do not suffer from jet lag—ever! Photography is both mentally and physically demanding—if we are not at our best, it will show up in the image. My No Jet Lag Method is a combination of tips and techniques I have picked up through the years from books, talking to fellow road warriors, and personal experience. It works. I promise that if you follow these rules faithfully, you will never again sleepwalk through the first few days of your trip.
Jet lag is both a physical and mental condition. My method attacks the problem on both fronts.
Two days before you depart:
- Test pack your suitcase using your packing checklist (you do use a checklist, right?). Use this time to make sure you have remembered everything (dental floss? belt? vitamins?) and that it will all fit in your bag. Check the bag size and weight restrictions with each of your airlines to avoid nasty surprises at check-in.
- Keep all your designated travel clothes separate—either in your suitcase or hanging together in your closet. Don’t wear any of these clothes again before you leave.
- Move your personal watch one hour ahead or back toward your destination time zone (make sure you go in the right direction!).
- Adjust your sleep habits by one hour—get up an hour early or go to sleep an hour later.
- Eat your meals an hour earlier or later. It’s very important to get your digestive system, um, headed in the right direction. Stomach problems are the No. 1 complaint of travelers. I keep a small roll of antacid tablets handy in my purse just in case.
One day before you depart:
- Move your personal watch another hour toward your new time zone.
- Adjust your eating and sleeping habits another hour. You have now moved two hours (hopefully) in the right direction.
- Go over your packing list one more time, for peace of mind. Pack and close your suitcase, mentally taking it off your to-do list.
- Make a conscientious effort to schedule nothing of any importance at work or home on this day. This is not the time to begin a new project!
- Make two copies of all your important travel documents, including your passport and relevant visa pages, airline tickets, hotel reservations, vital work documents, etc. Leave one set at home and tuck one set in your luggage. Don’t leave the set at home in an inaccessible place, like a locked desk drawer. Instead leave it with someone who will not mind a panicked phone call from you at 3 a.m. God forbid something should happen to the originals, but if it does, this will save you days of trouble.
On the departure day:
- Have your calendar completely clear. (I know this won’t happen, but if you try, it won’t get as bad as usual.)
- Check to see if your plane is on time before you leave for the airport.
- Plan on arriving at the airport at least two hours prior to departure time for in-country flights, longer for international routes. Beginning a trip worried about making it to the airport and through the security lines in time for your flight adds needless stress. Most airports nowadays have diversions in the form of shopping, restaurants, bars, massage stations, etc. Some airports have museums or even swimming pools. The Singapore airport, one of my favorites, has indoor gardens complete with rare orchids and koi ponds. Hanging out at the airport makes me feel like the trip has already begun, which is nice. And there is a lot to be said for simply relaxing at the gate with a good book in hand. Calm is your goal!
On the plane:
- Wear something as close to pajamas as your sense of fashion will allow (e.g., something with an elastic waistband, long sleeves and long pants, a lightweight jacket or sweater, and warm fluffy socks). Set your watch (and your mind) immediately to your arrival time zone.
- Don’t drink any alcohol, but drink lots of water (there is scientific proof that this helps).
- My plane survival kit includes my own bottle of water (I can refill it in the galley and store it in the seat pocket); my own big, soft eyemask (airline masks are skimpy and uncomfortable); earplugs (the noise will wake you before the light will); and a mild sleep aid (I use melatonin—ask your doctor).
- You must sleep on the plane. Ideally, I drift off shortly after the first meal service and get at least five hours of sleep. Don’t watch the in-flight movie; it will keep you awake.
- Get up and walk the length of the plane several times to keep your circulation churning. When no one is looking, I do a series of stretches and simple exercises that include knee-to-chest lifts, toe lifts, neck rolls and self-hugs. These help me relax before sleeping and serve to work out the kinks when I wake up.
Upon arrival:
- More than likely, it will be daytime, so get out in the sun! Avoid dark rooms such as theaters. Sit next to the window at meetings.
- Mild physical activity such as walking will help. Long sit-down meetings will definitely hurt.
- Do not nap!
- Avoid alcohol on the first day.
- Don’t go to bed until at least 8 p.m.
- Banish thoughts like “It’s 3 a.m. at home” from your mind.
- The first night, no matter what, stay in bed with the lights out and your eyes closed (even if you’re wide awake). You may want to use a mild sleep aid the first night.
Even if you find the arrival day a little rough, by the next morning your mind and body will be fully adjusted to your new “home” time zone.
Bon voyage!
Suzanne Salvo and her husband/partner Chris are co-owners of Salvo Photography, an international award-winning studio with bases in Houston, Texas and near Milan, Italy. They specialize in location shooting, and assignments have taken them to over 65 countries. Typical projects include annual reports, ad campaigns and capabilities brochures. See their member photos on the IABC home page. For more information, visit their web site at www.salvophoto.com. For more fun, visit Suzanne’s nationally recognized photoblog at www.salvoatlarge.blogspot.com. |
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We literally walked off the overnight plane into Sao Paulo, Brazil and went to work—at the airport. Our client was a jet-fuel supplier.
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One of the best things about travel is discovering new foods, like these scorpions on a stick we found in Shanghai, China. But one of the last things to adjust to time zone differences is your digestive system. My No Jet Lag Method moves your “stomach clock” a couple of hours in the right direction before you leave.
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My goal on board is comfort, not fashion. I bring my own water bottle, uber-comfy eye mask and—most important—earplugs or a noise reduction headset. The noise will wake you long before any light will.
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The very worst thing you can do regarding jet lag is to raise your anxiety and stress levels right before you get on the plane. For that reason, I always arrive at the airport early—very early. Strolling through the shopping arcades, grabbing a bite to eat or just reading a book helps me relax and makes me feel like the trip has already begun.
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