Life in Progress Diaries

As I sit here typing away, my body’s still debating what time it is—is it morning, night, or something in between? Jet lag is no joke, and this past few week has been a whirlwind of flights, health hiccups, and learning moments. Here’s a look at how I tackled a 24-hour travel marathon and the jet lag aftermath.

Preparing for the Flight: Or Not

Let’s be honest—preparation didn’t go quite as planned. My original goal was to adjust my bedtime by an hour each night before flying. But life had other ideas. Between a colitis flare-up, a hospital visit, and a colonoscopy (or was it an endoscopy? The doctors kept switching terms), preparation fell by the wayside. Sometimes, you just have to roll with it.

Challenges During the Flight

Flying solo, I quickly realized the window seat isn’t ideal for long-haul flights. The two gentlemen next to me slept the entire flight, leaving me trapped for 10 hours. Bathroom breaks? Stretching? Forget it. Add in turbulence, a cramped seat, and failed attempts to sleep, and it felt more like surviving a rollercoaster than flying. My in-flight entertainment? A mix of movies, brainstorming blog ideas, and accepting my fate.

Hydration: The Unsung Hero

Hydration became my lifeline during the journey. I made a point to accept water every time a flight attendant offered it—and even asked for two drinks (water and tea) when I felt brave. It took a while to ditch the guilt of “over-asking,” but staying hydrated made a huge difference. Despite the dryness of airplane air, I felt less groggy, and my skin stayed somewhat happy.

Jet Lag Strategies: Progress, Not Perfection

The plan was simple: stay awake during the first flight and sleep during the second to align with UK time. Execution? A complete flop. By the time I landed, my body was in survival mode, crashing at 4 p.m. UK time (1 a.m. Korea time). Each day, I’ve pushed a little further, managing to stay awake until 6:30 p.m. one night, but my internal clock still insists on waking me up at 1 a.m. sharp.

Pro tip: When you’re wide awake at 3 a.m., use that time productively. I’ve sorted clothes, curled my hair, and caught up with friends in Korea. It’s about finding small wins, even when your schedule’s upside down.

Health and Hydration: A Lifeline

After a week of health challenges, hydration became my anchor. Avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks helped me sidestep energy crashes, and carrying snacks from the flight made late-night hunger bearable. Despite the flare-up and colonoscopy recovery, I’m managing well—hydration is making a noticeable difference in my energy and mood.

First 24-48 Hours: A Blur of Emotions

Landing in England was a mix of excitement and exhaustion. The first day flew by, and now, four days in, I’m still battling time zones. But overall, I feel good. Staying hydrated and pacing myself has been key to handling jet lag and post-travel recovery.

What Went Well & Lessons for Next Time

Wins:

• Staying hydrated and saving inflight snacks made the journey more manageable.
• Pushing through time zone fatigue to spend quality time with family felt rewarding.

What I’d Change:

• Always pack a water bottle—the flight’s tiny cups don’t cut it.
• Book aisle seats for easier movement and stretching.

Final Thoughts: Hydration & Patience

Hydration and patience are my two biggest takeaways from this experience. Jet lag doesn’t vanish overnight, and that’s okay. By staying hydrated, celebrating small wins, and embracing productivity in odd hours, I’m finding my rhythm—one step at a time.

Your Turn: Share Your Jet Lag Wins

What’s your go-to strategy for managing jet lag? Is it hydration, rest, or something else entirely? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips!