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The world is more connected than ever before, and traveling is a simple process for millions of us. While the actual coming and going is technically simple enough, the fact is that for many of us, the real challenge lies in letting our bodies adjust to the changing time zones as we circumnavigate the globe.

Jet lag is a real problem for plenty of travelers, and whether you are on the go for business or pleasure, it's something that is troublesome for even the frequent flyer. There are a few steps you can take to prevent the effects on the body, but it’s worth including essential oils to the list of things you pack if you’re serious about naturally overcoming jet lag.

A Closer Look at Jet Lag

What is jet lag? Anyone who’s experienced it already knows firsthand what the basics are, but it’s still a good idea to take a closer look at what it is and how it affects the body.

Jet lag is essentially a disturbance that occurs in the body’s circadian rhythm. As you travel across multiple longitudes and move through different time zones, the body’s natural clock begins to become somewhat de-synchronized with the day and night time cycle. This disruption in the sleep patterns of the mind and body can make it harder for the body to properly adjust hormone levels in the body – in particular melatonin, which is regulated based on darkness and light. Hormones can also impact everything from hunger to mood to heart function.

How the Body and Mind are Affected by Jet Lag

Those with jet lag may suffer from:

• Overwhelming feelings of tiredness
• Mental fog
• Trouble focusing
• Sleep related issues
• Problems with appetite
• Digestive issues
• Lowered immune system
• And more

The biggest problem is by far the fatigue. Those on the go regularly can easily find themselves too tired to properly enjoy the day once they arrive at their destination.

Using Essential Oils For Jet Lag

Coping with jet lag can be difficult. It often involves fighting off the urge to fall asleep during the day and forcing your body to sleep in the night, using things like excessive caffeine consumption and sleep medication to help reset the biological clock. Going natural is a much better option, and just as easy. By using natural remedies like essential oils, you’ll be able to avoid side effects, save money, and generally feel better no matter how far you’re traveling.

When choosing the correct essential oil it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish as to which oil is right for you. For example, some oils will help for a more restful sleep, while others are a natural pick-me-up that energize and revitalize the body and mind. Others can help balance melatonin levels as well as other hormones. Here’s a look at three oils worth considering – one for each of these factors.

• Lemongrass – Use lemongrass to help maintain a healthy balance of hormone levels within the body. This can maintain a more finely-tuned biological clock and ensure that your body is working as it should. Proper hormone levels can help get rid of the cloudy brain fog and also eliminate the fatigue that plagues so many with jet lag.

• Lavender – Lavender is the most popular option for people who have trouble sleeping, and for those with jet lag it’s well worth adding to a suitcase or carry-on bag. Lavender helps relax the mind and body and promotes a more restful, effective sleep. In doing so, it can help you get the deep rest that is needed to reset the body’s internal clock.

• Peppermint – This is one of the best options for when you need to give the body a burst of energy. It can help perk-up the mind, increase alertness, and cut through that brain fog that can be so problematic when experiencing jet lag.

These are not the only options, you may have other favorites, but the oils mentioned above are a good starting point for using essential oils to combat jet lag. Try them out and you’ll likely find that you feel better than ever no matter how far your travels take you.

// Via: Organic Aromas