I am going to have some recaps for you soon, but for now I wanted to chat about dealing with time changes while traveling.
So this past weekend when I was in Las Vegas there was a 3 hour time difference from North Carolina. Typically, when I go on vacation I am one to try and stick with my normal time schedule as best as possible. So, for example, when I traveled to Colorado for my cousins wedding (2 hours behind NC time) I would wake up 2 hours earlier and be asleep 2 hours earlier to stick with my normal schedule. That way I am not dragging when I get home needing a "vacation after my vacation".
Well, Vegas was much different. There was no way I would be able to stick with my normal routine and try and hang onto NC time in NV. The first day I woke up at 4:00am (my time) for the airport and didn't get to sleep until around 2:00am their time (or 5:00 my typical time the following day). It was an absolute blast hanging out and having fun with everyone until the wee hours of the morning...but man, time changes kill me!
My body adjusted to their time pretty quickly... and when I woke up that next day I felt like I was already adjusted. This made coming back to my normal time much harder. I think a big part of the trouble of time changes is since I live in NC anywhere I go with a time difference is going to be adding more hours into my day which is awesome! Then, I come home and lose that time which can be a struggle.
Here are some ways to help deal with a time change:
- Keep your normal routine and schedule. This obviously isn't always possible, but when you can, try to go to bed near when your used to going to bed and wake up as you usually would at home. If that means waking up much earlier than the other people you are with try and go for a nice walk, get some coffee or start breakfast. I am sure when everyone else wakes up they would really enjoy breakfast or coffee! ;-).
- Rest when you can. It was imperative that I got rest on the plane to/from Las Vegas. It seriously helped when I returned with my sleep deprivation! Take it where you can get it!
- Relax! Enjoy yourself and enjoy your vacation and time off. No need to kill yourself trying to see every site and do everything. Get advice from locals or friends who have been. Where are the sites to see and places you just can't miss?
- Make a plan. It helps to plan ahead. Know when you are going to be out late or up early. Then you can plan to be asleep earlier or squeeze in that (much needed) afternoon nap.
- Enjoy an extra day off. Sometimes you just know your going to have one hell of a trip and need to plan ahead. If you have the time, take off that extra day when you return. Enjoy that day while the significant other and/or kids are at work/school and catch up on your luggage laundry, sleep, cleaning, etc. Take the time to readjust to your normal time schedule!
Do you have any vacations planned coming up?
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