A couple of days before flying, take ginkgo hawthorn tincture (available at health food stores) and follow the dosage on the label. It's been reported that taking 1/2 to 1 mg of melatonin right before boarding the plane has prevented jet lag. If you know that you really suffer from jet lag, ask your doctor about taking melatonin before your upcoming flight. But be careful-some studies in animals suggest that people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should not take melatonin. Again, always consult with your health professional before taking melatonin.

Avoid traveling while enduring sickness such as flu, colds, or ear problems. While flying, move around a lot, avoid alcoholic drinks, instead opting for juice, tea, or water, and keep yourself occupied with a book or music.

Play Make-Believe
As soon as you board the plane, pretend it's whatever time it actually is at your destination. In other words, if you board the plane at 7 pm in New York, and you're headed for London where it's 1 am, pull down your window shade or wear dark glasses and, if possible, go to sleep. If you board a plane late that night and it's already daylight at your destination, force yourself to stay awake during the flight. Making believe that you're in the new time zone at the very start of your trip should help you acclimate more quickly.