I have recently discovered the absolute reality of jet lag. Earlier this week I woke up at 5 a.m. fully dressed, contact lenses still in, homework all around me and had absolutely no clue as to how I got there. The inability to stay up past 8 p.m. or sleep in past 5 a.m. has definitely been an interesting experience. I have found myself completely confused when trying to manage my hectic schedule.

Jet lag is caused from traveling across multiple time zones. The symptoms of fatigue, temporary insomnia, irritability, confusion and overall sense of being disoriented is a result of the disruption of your circadian rhythms, or the internal body clock, that allows you to function on a schedule normally.

While getting used to this time zone has been incredibly irksome, I have found a few ways to help readjust.

1. Adapt to the new time zone while on the plane.

While on the flight, change your watch when you get on the plane to the new time zone of the place you will be traveling to. By tricking your brain it will be easier to follow the new time schedule.

2. Go outside and enjoy the sunlight.

Sunlight helps re-set your internal body clock and gets you back on schedule.

3. Exercise.

Exercise is another great way to assist in re-setting your circadian rhythm.

4. Make sure to eat.

When your sense of your daily schedule gets disrupted, it is easy to forget to eat.

5. Give yourself a couple of days to readjust.

It typically takes a day or to for the major jet lag symptoms to subside. So don’t worry, you will get back into the swing of things!