The job of being a pilot comes with a lot of stress, fatigue and being away from home for extended periods. Not only does the job require long hours, but the effects of jet lag from moving between different time zones can mess with circadian rhythm. If you are a pilot, ensuring that you are getting adequate rest and relaxation is of utmost importance, not only for your own health but for the safety of your passengers as well. Methods of recovery can be different from person to person, but there are a few in particular that work better than others and have varying degrees of effects on the body and mind.

Here are some ways that a pilot can recover after working long hours.

Use Red Light Therapy

In this day and age, too much time is spent indoors and exposed to "blue light" (the kind of light you get from screens). The lack of sunlight is a problem for the body and mind.

Thankfully, there is a relatively new and innovative way to take care of your body at a cellular level, called red light therapy. Utilizing methods backed by scientific research, red light therapy makes use of your body's natural ability to absorb light and fill it up with all sorts of vitamins and the good stuff your body would normally get from the sun. Since it's conveniently available to use indoors, you don't have to take into account the weather or time of day if you want to get the benefits of sunlight.

Using red light therapy at home can vastly improve your overall health. Some of the benefits include:

Inflammation and pain relief

Sleep optimization

Improved blood flow

Mental acuity

Recovery, Healing and Performance

The devices which transmit the red light are available in a variety of different options, from wall mounts to mobile stands. These are also modular, so you can mix and match.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important things that you can do for your overall health. If you do not get enough sleep you will not be able to function at an optimal level. A lack of sleep results in weight gain, high blood pressure, mood swings, memory loss and a whole host of other issues. Getting high-quality sleep will change your day and positively affect your attitude.

Get Adequate Exercise

The importance of physical movement not only benefits the body but also the mind. Exercise can improve clarity, focus and overall energy levels. It doesn't have to be an overly intense workout regimen, either. Even getting a little exercise each day is better than nothing at all. Going for a simple walk can do wonders for the mind, and enhance one's perspective. Staying in shape will allow you as a pilot to have more stamina and be able to focus on getting your aircraft safely from place to place.

Take a Hot Bath or Shower

A good way to relieve sore and aching muscles is to take a dip in the bath. The warmth of the bath can relieve tension in the muscles and make one feel a sense of tranquility. There are a number of different bath salts one can use to enhance the experience as well. If baths aren't your thing, then a nice hot shower will do the trick.

Take a Vacation

Sometimes, all you need is a nice, relaxing vacation. Whether you're sipping margaritas in Hawaii or touring a breathtaking cathedral in France, sometimes a change of scenery is all you really need to regain your mental clarity and achieve a heightened sense of appreciation for the good things in life.

A pilot's job is not easy and being at the top of your game while flying is important for your own health and the safety of your passengers. Getting adequate recovery is just as important as doing the job itself, so make sure you don't neglect it.