So, on Monday, I was still in “welcome to New York” bliss when I wrote the post A Weekend in Three Cities.
Now, three days later, I’m dealing severely with the consequences of my weekend choices. Just in case any of you thought I wasn’t human and never hit that place of utter exhaustion or dealt with jet lag, this post is for you!
Things didn’t start to get rough until Tuesday afternoon when suddenly I felt as if I was walking around in a daze. I went to a happy hour with my old office and barely had energy. I snuck out early because I just couldn’t handle catching up with people. My eyelids kept closing and I caught myself constantly yawning, even though it was only 8 pm.
I went to bed an hour later, sleeping until 7:30 yesterday. I woke up feeling good but emotionally I was a wreck. I blew up at Bo about something so insignificant I can’t remember it now. The entire day, I was an emotional roller coaster. I headed downstairs to run, hoping that releasing some endorphins would help make me feel better. For thirty minutes, I felt incredible.
But then, as if the run used the last of my energy, I went back the zombie-like lethargic stage. I had a few errands I had to run yesterday including seeing an apartment in Brooklyn and sorting through some issues with our bank. Two separate people told me I looked ill and faint while I sat in their offices. In fact, I found myself briefly snoozing in one office, while the kind lady processed our paperwork. I owe her a cupcake and thank you note for her kindness.
I came home, donned my eye mask, and did my best to sleep from 4-7pm. In the middle of Times Square, this isn’t an easy feat due to the traffic and construction noise. Yesterday, this didn’t phase me a bit and instead I found myself just waking up when Bo walked through the door.
I tried to rally, going out to dinner at a neighborhood spot, but couldn’t bring myself to eat as my stomach wasn’t having it.
Up four times during the night, and still in bed this morning, I’ve learned the hard way that jet lag is far more than just exhaustion.
In the future, do as I say, not as I do. Don’t think that you’re invincible and that “powering through” will mean that you can do it all without feeling the affects of jet lag. After a stressful week and long flight, make sure to be kind to your body, so it doesn’t rebel. Unfortunately, there aren’t many recommendations on what to do at this point in the game other than rest, warm bubble bath, and sunshine.
So with this revelation, that stomach issues and even PMS symptoms can be a symptom of jet lag, I’m going back to sleep. My only goal for today, other than packing for our long weekend away in the Catskills, is to sip NUUN and sleep as much as possible. Hopefully, I’ll wake up feeling better and excited for the relaxing long weekend with family!
I have read your blog for a while now and have always wondered how you coped with long flights followed by early morning runs/workouts! On top of jet lag you are also going through a major life change at the moment! That’s a lot for your body to deal with. It’s okay (sometimes :)) to take time off and let your body rest. I hope you feel better soon. Happy 4th of July!
See Kirsten, I told you I wasn’t super-human! 🙂 Thanks! Happy 4th to you too!
Wait… so you are telling me you’re NOT Superwoman?! I had you wrong all this time! 😉 Take care of yourself, girlfriend- hope you feel better soon! Enjoy your long holiday weekend! 🙂
Nope Mary, you’re right – i’m human. 🙂 Thanks for the well wishes!
Good post! I’ve been there with Jet Lag before too when I used to travel for work. Sometimes the travel can be exciting but it can also be incredibly draining
No joke Morgan! Drained is exactly how I’m feeling. Hope you’re having a great week!
Bummer! Take of yourself! Clearly your body is saying rest is what is needed the most – listen to it! Everything else will still be there. 🙂
Thanks Elizabeth! I hope to be relaxing and reading most of the weekend!
Totally feeling this this week! I returned from 10 days on the road which were 12-14 hour days and capped it off with a red eye sat to sun. i got through to mon ok, but then totally crashed mon at 6pm. i crawled into bed and said if im still awake ill go to yoga at 7, but only awoke shortly when my husband got home and then ultimately still pushed my alarm another hour in the am to skip my morning gym visit. i was so thankful my schedule was open to allow that and not feel like i was breaking plans upon my return!
Thank you for this incredibly honest post! I don’t think most would be this transparent, but that’s why I love your blog. Get lots of sleep, take some melatonin, and be kind to yourself. Happy 4th weekend!
Thinking of you!!! I’m going to Chile on tuesday and have an overnight flight to get there. I’m traveling with my aunt who is super super active, so hopefully I’ll be able to keep up, and also adjust to the time difference alright.