This CEO Spends 30 Hours On A Plane Every Month And Never Has Jet Lag

Traveling is great for many things: seeing new places, trying new foods, and getting a little R&R. But, it often comes with one major pain: jet lag. It can take days to adjust to the time zone of your destination and the same on the way home, often taking away precious hours spent exploring. Or, you struggle to stay awake upon returning to work.

So, when I learned that Tala CEO and founder Shivani Siroya spends at least 30 hours every single month on a plane running her multi-continent business, I had to know how she handled jet lag. Incredibly, she doesn't get any. How? Here she reveals her unique travel hacks and how a little gymnastics and handstands help her solve a major jet lag problem for business travelers.

Q: First, why do you travel so much?

A: Working with and managing a truly global team across three continents and five countries requires some serious travel time! In addition to our Santa Monica HQ, Tala has offices in each of our markets - Nairobi, Mexico City, Manila, and Bangalore. I try to visit as often as I can, not only to ensure that we continue working efficiently together as we scale and build trust, but also to keep learning from my team and customers. We are helping the underbanked access financial services for the first time, and understanding their needs personally makes me a better leader. Being able to get feedback directly in person from your customers and team is irreplaceable!

Q: Were you a big traveler prior to this career?

A: I've always been on the go. I spent my childhood traveling from New York to Udaipur, India, to visit family, which probably sparked my interest in seeing and experiencing different places and cultures. The inspiration for Tala actually came after I interviewed over 3,500 small business owners across West Africa and India for the United Nations Population Fund. The travel has only picked up since then!

Q: How do you make flying comfortable?

A: I prep! For long haul flight, there are a few essential items I never leave home without. For starters, I pack my own semi-healthy snacks so I can eat on my own schedule and avoid super salty foods in the airport or onboard. Some of my go-tos include nut butters, veggies, and chocolate-covered almonds.

I'm an avid tea drinker, so I also pack my own tea bags. I'll just ask the flight attendant for hot water, and then I can sip my favorite tea while working on my laptop or relaxing to a podcast.

Q: What about for those super long hauls?

A: For those international flights, a neck pillow and a large scarf is also a must, especially if you opt for the aisle seat like I do. I'll also bring my own essential oils – peppermint for energy, lavender for calming. Lastly, I try to dress in layers so I can adapt to changing temperatures. You never know when you are going to get a freezing airplane or one with a broken AC. This may sound like a lot, but when you fly as much as I do, it becomes second nature, like packing your gym bag or lunch every day. And it all fits into a small reusable pouch that can you put into a backpack.

A: In the 24 hours leading up to the flight, I focus on hydrating and finding time to work out or take a yoga class. I find this helps combat restlessness and increase blood flow during the flight. Once on board, I am usually working (or hopefully sleeping if it's a redeye) but I make an effort to get up every hour or so to walk around and stretch.

Q: You never get jet lag! How is that possible?

A: I've learned a little self-care before, during, and after a flight seems to save me from jet lag. My travel routine is really based around making my body as resilient as it can be. During a flight, I try to walk around and stretch when possible to keep my energy even. Soon after landing, I'll prioritize getting a good meal to reset my body to the local time zone. I'll also try to squeeze in some yoga when I can. I know it sounds crazy, but nothing helps your body reboot like a headstand!

Q: What are your top tips for avoiding jet lag?

A: Always do a handstand for 30 seconds when you get to the hotel. This brings the blood back to your brain after flying and sitting for so long. Don't eat on the plane. Reset your body clock by having a meal in your destination location. Learn the names, flight attendants. Building friendly relationships when you're traveling so often helps make each journey easier on the mind and body. Basically, it's workout, hydrate, and get as much sunlight (with SPF) as you can when you arrive. I have found that these things are key to avoiding jet lag and adapting to new time zones.

Source: Forbes.com

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