Travel of any kind can be stressful, but if you’re headed for a nice vacation, you know you’ll have a chance to relax and unwind from the hassles of actually getting to your destination. But what about if you’re on a business travel trip? You don’t get a chance to relax as much until you get home. And chances are, you’re headed straight back into the office instead, so your chance to wind down is pretty small.
So what if you could relax on your business trip?
It’s possible to relax, or at least reduce the stress of your trip, if you try these suggestions.
1) Remember your health is top priority, so take steps to maintain it. Being sick is no fun and let’s face it, being sick on the road is awful. Trying to be your best when you’re at your worst isn’t going to land deals, but it just might land you back in bed.
2) You might want to start taking immunity-boosting supplements as soon as your plans are set. Check with your doctor to make sure you’re actually as healthy as you feel and that you have all the necessary immunizations for traveling abroad.
3) You also want to rest up before you leave. Traveling while you’re tired makes you more susceptible to picking up a bug, so get plenty of sleep before you leave. And if you’ve got a chronic medical condition or are finishing up an illness, you might want to do a bit research and identify the hospital or urgent care center closest to your hotel so you know where you should go if you feel under the weather.
4) Choose accommodations that are convenient, because that will reduce stress significantly. Who wants to worry about traffic while commuting to a meeting? Sure you could get up early, but you could also book a hotel that’s very close to your meeting place or conference center. And try to find a place that’s got a gym, because working out is a great way to relieve stress and stay healthy.
5) While you’re traveling from the airport to your hotel, talk to your driver about good (and healthy) places to eat.
6) Another way to relax is to meet new people. We are social creatures, and social interactions are good for mental health. So when you’re in a new place or on a plane, strike up a conversation with a stranger. Combating loneliness is just as important to your health as good nutrition. This isn’t a lifetime commitment, it’s a conversation. It’s a networking moment.
How do you stay healthy on your business travel trips? Do you do anything special to ensure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising? Share your ideas on our Facebook page, or on our Twitter stream. You can also find us on our Instagram page at @TravelproIntl.
Photo credit: Todtanis (Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons 3.0)