The Best Ways to Beat Jet Lag
- English level
- Level 2
- Topic
- Travel
- Estimated reading time
- 2 mins

Have you ever landed in a new country and felt like a zombie?
That strange, foggy feeling is called jet lag, and it happens to millions of travelers every year.
Jet lag occurs when your internal body clock is out of sync with the local time.

Long flights that cross several time zones confuse your [brain's] natural rhythm.
Before you travel, try shifting your bedtime closer to your [destination's] schedule.
Sunlight is one of the most powerful tools for resetting your body clock.
Spend time outside in the morning if you fly east, or in the evening if you fly west.

Drinking plenty of water during the flight keeps your body from feeling even more tired.
Alcohol and caffeine might seem tempting, but they actually make jet lag worse.
A short walk after landing can boost your energy and reduce [grogginess].
Taking a quick nap of twenty minutes is fine, but longer naps can backfire.

Many frequent travelers also use melatonin to help their bodies fall asleep at the right time.
Jet lag will probably never disappear completely, but these simple habits can shrink its effects.
With a little planning, you can arrive ready to explore instead of ready to collapse.
Key Vocabulary
Backfire (v) To have an unintended and unwelcome result that is the opposite of what was intendedUK: /ˈbækfaɪə(r)/US: /ˈbækfaɪər/Learn more
Destination (n) The place to which someone or something is going or being sent.UK: ˌdestɪˈneɪʃnUS: ˌdestɪˈneɪʃnLearn more
Grogginess (n) This is a feeling of being tired and not fully awake, often after sleep or illnessUK: /ˈɡrɒɡinəs/US: /ˈɡrɑːɡinəs/Learn more
Melatonin (n) A hormone naturally produced in the body that helps regulate sleep and wake cyclesUK: /ˌmeləˈtəʊnɪn/US: /ˌmeləˈtoʊnɪn/Learn more
Rhythm (n) A strong, regular repeated pattern of movement or sound.UK: ˈrɪðəmUS: ˈrɪðəmLearn more
Schedule (v) A plan for carrying out a process or procedure, giving lists of intended events and times.UK: ˈʃedjuːlUS: ˈskedʒuːlLearn more
Traveler (n) A person who is travelling or who travels often, especially to many different placesUK: ˈtræv.əl.ərUS: ˈtræv.əl.ɚLearn more

Practice This Story
Continue learning with Ettip's stories and vocabulary challenges.
More English Stories About Travel

A Day at the Airport
The airport is a very busy place. Thousands of people come and go every day. You arrive at the airport with your bag. You go to the check-in desk first. A friendly worker takes your big bag. She gives...

Five Things to Pack for a Trip
You are ready to travel! But wait - do you have your bag ready? Your passport is the most important thing. You [cannot] go to another country without it. Money is the next thing to pack. You need mone...

A Bus Ride to Town
Do you want to go to town today? The bus is a great way to travel. First, you find the bus stop. You wait there for the bus. The bus comes on time. You pay a small fare. Then you find a seat. The bus...

How to Read a Map
You are lost on a new street. A map can help you find your way. Maps show roads, rivers, and cities. They use colors and symbols. Blue means water on most maps. Green often means trees or parks. Look...

Why People Love Trains
Trains can take you to beautiful places! Many people around the world love them. A train can carry hundreds of people at once. It moves fast and does not stop much. On a train, you can stand up and wa...

A Trip With My Family
Have you ever gone on a trip with your family? My family went on a trip last week, and we were all very happy. We packed our bags the night before. I put in my clothes, my shoes, and my toothbrush. My...

A Walk in a New City
You are in a new city. Everything looks different! You step outside. You see a big park. You walk inside the park. There are trees and flowers. A small dog runs past you. You find a little cafe. You s...

My First Hotel Room
I walked into my first hotel room and smiled. It was small, clean, and beautiful. There was a big bed in the room. The bed had two soft pillows on it. The bed felt very nice. There was a bathroom with...

Tickets, Bags, and Maps
Do you want to go somewhere new? You need three things for travel. You need a ticket. A ticket gets you on a plane, train, or bus. You buy a ticket before your trip. You also need a bag. A bag holds y...

What Is in My Bag?
Do you know what is in my bag? It holds everything I need on my trip. My passport is the first thing I pack. I need it to go to other countries. I put my money in a small wallet. I keep the wallet ins...