Ten Tips for Being a Healthy Business Traveller

The life of a jet setting business traveller is often one of flight upgrades, fancy hotels, and long lunches.

And what’s not to love about that? However, constantly being away from family and friends, sleeping in strange beds, a lack of home cooked meals and exercise, and the pressures of the job itself can all impact on a corporate traveller’s wellbeing over time.

The good news is there are some easy ways to keep yourself fit and healthy if you travel extensively for work. Here are ten tips for travelling well for business.

1. Fly well

Business travel generally begins with a flight, and you can get your trip off to a flying start by following some simple processes on the day. Ensure that the airline has your seat preference recorded and that you have an allocated seat at check-in (even if there’s the possibility of an upgrade). If you’re travelling on a full-service airline, pre-order a reduced salt and fat special meal. Where possible restrict yourself to carry-on luggage only, and keep your stress levels in check by getting to the airport in plenty of time. Once on board, moderate your alcohol intake and try and get some rest. If you’re travelling on a long-haul flight, pack some loose-fitting clothing to change into on board. You’ll have a more comfortable flight and disembark ready to take on the world.

2. Arrive at the best time

When booking domestic flights, aim to arrive at your destination mid-afternoon rather than first thing in the morning or late at night. You’ll be able to check straight into your accommodation, answer emails and complete any preparation for meetings the following day, enjoy a relaxed dinner, and get an early night. There’s nothing worse than getting in at midnight and trying to snatch a couple of hours of sleep before a full day of work.

3. Opt for a home away from home

Staying in a hotel is fine for a night or two. However, if you’re away from home for a longer period, opt for apartment style accommodation. It will give your life away from the work arena a sense of normalcy and routine. Urban Rest offers competitively priced, fully serviced apartment stays in several Australian cities, with a seamless check-in process and an emphasis on sustainability. Each property features a chic design aesthetic and a full suite of amenities (including kitchen and laundry facilities). These are spaces you’ll look forward to coming home to at the end of each day.

4. Unpack

Living out of a suitcase isn’t fun, so don’t! Make use of your apartment’s wardrobe space and spend a few minutes unpacking properly. You’ll feel better organised and more grounded throughout your stay.

5. Cook for yourself

The problem with eating out constantly on a business trip is that you consume far more fat, salt, and sugar than you normally would. And it won’t take long for those excesses to start weighing on your physical wellbeing and state of mind. Commit to using that amazing kitchen in your apartment and prepare a reasonable percentage of your own meals. You don’t have to buy a lot. Bring in basic breakfast supplies, and pick up the ingredients you need for quick and healthy dinners on your way home from work.

6. Limit your alcohol intake

When travelling for business it’s possible you’ll consume more alcohol than you would at home — particularly if you’re doing a lot of client entertaining. Try to moderate your intake and give yourself regular nights off. You’ll feel all the better for it.

7. Don’t burn the midnight oil

There’s a tendency on work trips to stay up later than you normally would and keep plugging away at your laptop. It’s quiet; you’re on your own; so why not? Well, research indicates that excessive screen time before bed can increase the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep, reduce the quality of your sleep, and affect your mood the following day. They’re all good reasons to close the computer and switch your devices off a couple of hours before hitting the hay.

8. Phone home

Being a corporate traveller invariably means being separated from family and friends, which isn’t pleasant — especially for extended periods. It can lead to heightened feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety. If you’re feeling lonely, there are plenty of simple strategies you can employ to improve the situation. The easiest one is to phone home frequently. You should also be open to engaging with complete strangers (Uber drivers are the ideal candidates) and striking up a conversation at every opportunity. If you’re taking public transport to work, don’t block the seat next to you; leave it open for someone to sit down and possibly have a chat.

9. Work out

Everyone knows the benefits of regular exercise, and having a gym chain membership (which allows you to train at any of their club locations) is ideal when travelling for business. Gym gear won’t take up much room in your bag, and even getting in a quick workout every couple of days will reduce stress, promote better sleep, and improve your sense of wellbeing.

10. Look for other ways to stay active

If you don’t have access to a gym, any sort of physical activity will be of benefit to you. Walk to work rather than taking transport, go for a swim at the local public pool (there may even be a pool in your apartment block), do an online yoga class, or hire a bike and explore the city.

This post was published thanks to Urban Rest.

Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of tips for being a healthy business traveller? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

The information contained in this story is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice in any way. We make every effort to ensure this content is accurate, but we do not guarantee it. You should do your own research and seek the advice of professionals before acting or relying on any of the information provided in this story.

Additional images: Envato