I love travel. In fact, my job as a sales manager involved a lot of business travel. While many of my colleagues cribbed about having to make intercity client visits at short notice, I looked forward to it. In fact, I always had a bag packed and ready to go.
The truth is, traveling alone can be quite stressful, and business travel can add extra layers of stress that build up over time. For one thing, a business trip involves being in a new environment; then, you also deal with the stress of presentations, deadlines, and even how to court clients into collaborating with your company. In short, it is not just about you or your relaxation, but getting the job done, often at the expense of your health!
I did find ways to deal with business travel stress, though.
Four strategies that help me tremendously are:Stick to the Same Schedules
This one's a gem. It's really easy to deviate from a plan during the business trip. Being disorganized leads to chaos and then, before you know it, you are spiraling down the stress abyss. There's an easy fix. Stick to the same routine you normally have on a daily basis and this will reduce your stress. Even when in a new city, begin mornings just as you do at home. It is a good idea to research where you will be staying ahead of time so you can map out the best way to help you stick to your daily routine of having having breakfast, working out, doing laundry, and even getting the right transportation to get around the place.
I can't stress enough about the importance of knowing how you will get from the airport to your hotel ahead of time, as it can be a huge relief after a long stressful flight. So, make sure you choose and book the right kind of transportation where you won't have to worry about where to go once you claim your baggage or how to ask for directions. Like the site Athens taxi states, they will do a "Meet & Greet" at the arrival terminal and also check your flight time and reschedule in case of flight delays. That way all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your ride to the hotel without additional stress.
It is also important to stick to the same sleeping schedules even though you might have changed a couple of time zones. If you sleep in or get out of a routine at the beginning, the rest of your trip will be an uphill battle. You also need to find time to rest, as traveling has already put physical and emotional stress on the body.
Zen out in the Park
I love this. One of the most underrated things to do while on a trip is to catch some alone time in nature. It is very important to plan break time when you'll unplug, turn off all your electronics and try to find some peace of mind.
A park provides the perfect surrounding for just that, especially if you practice any type of meditation, such as transcendental meditation or yoga. This would be a perfect way to experience some Zen time. And it is a great way to get to know the place. What if your trip is too short and you really want to explore the sights? See?
Pack the Home Vibes
If you know that you are going to be away from home for a while, it might make sense to make yourself comfortable where you are staying. I like to pack my own sheets for ultimate bed comfort, and of course bring a picture from home to put up on the dresser; I also pack my favorite slippers and a couple of Wodehouse books. Too bad I can't pack my coffee filter!
Keep Track of Your Diet, Hydration, and Vitamins
It is easy to stray away from a healthy diet routine when you're traveling. When you are tired, stressed and hungry, and the only thing open is the doughnut shop at the airport, of course it is easy to listen to that little voice in your head telling you, "It is okay to eat this doughnut because you're on a trip." I remember once, how my flight was delayed by three hours and I had no choice but to eat something at the airport café. Then I felt guilty about not carrying an emergency snack, especially because I am diabetic. I was so bored I even bought a packet of chips and finished it. So stupid. This can easily be avoided by being prepared. Also, research restaurants in the area to plan how you can eat healthy and stay hydrated. And oh, don't forget to pack your medicines, if you are on any.
It all boils down to a little research and planning to help you reduce the stress that comes with business trips. It can even make your stay in a new city enjoyable.
Does your work involve travel? How do you manage it?
Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury
