Jet Lag — How to Beat It Faster Than Your Body Wants To

Your body clock takes roughly 1 day per timezone crossed to adjust. Delhi to New York (9.5 hours difference) = nearly 10 days to fully recover. Here's how to speed that up dramatically.

The Science

Jet lag happens because your circadian rhythm (internal clock) is synced to your home timezone. Light exposure is the #1 factor that resets it — not food, not willpower.

Recovery Strategy

1. ☀️ Light exposure: Get morning sunlight at your destination. This is the single most effective treatment
2. 😴 Adjust before travel: Shift sleep by 1 hour/day for 3 days before departure
3. 💊 Melatonin: 0.5-3 mg at destination bedtime. Start the first night. Available OTC in most countries
4. 💧 Hydrate aggressively: Dehydration makes jet lag worse. Avoid alcohol on the flight
5. ⏰ Eat local time: Skip meals if needed to align with destination schedule
6. 🏃 Exercise: Light exercise (walk, yoga) in the morning helps reset

East vs West

• ➡️ Flying east (India to Japan): Harder. You lose hours. Seek morning light
• ⬅️ Flying west (India to USA): Easier. You gain hours. Seek evening light