Wellbeing On The Move

Do you travel a lot? Maybe you go away with work here, there and everywhere, or you love to travel abroad or in and around the country you live.

Wherever you go and whether for work or leisure or both, what do you take with you or do whilst away to help with your own wellbeing.

If you are away for leisure the chances are the trip will have elements of relaxation, sightseeing, eating, drinking and sleeping. You will likely be doing things you love and enjoy, making you feel happy, content and fulfilled. You may have gone away feeling anxious, tense and stressed but day 1 out of the norm and you are starting to feel great. The weight has lifted from your shoulders and you are enjoying every moment. Work or the stress you have left behind is truly far away, you are in the chill zone and it couldn’t be further from your mind.

Being away for leisure is probably more for your wellbeing and self care than you realise. Whereas if you are away with work, the chances are your wellbeing will slip down the list of priority whilst away.

Here are five things you can do, to help keep your own wellbeing in check whilst travelling with work.

1. Travel time – if you are flying, then leave plenty of time to get to the airport, check in/baggage drop and through security. You don’t want to be rushing around, feeling stressed before your journey or trip has begun. Go to the airport early to give you time to relax, shop or eat before your flight. Rushing around is going to cause you to be stressed, sweaty, anxious and likely hungry or suffer from indigestion if you have had to eat fast. Leave plenty of time, grab a cup of your favourite drink, sit, relax and breathe before you board.
2. Walk – depending on how long your flight or train journey, you will likely be sitting for a long period of time. So take the opportunity to walk around at the airport or train station, do a number of laps or go into each shop and have a look around. Once you are on the plane or train, walk around when the opportunity arises. Stretch your legs and body. Once you arrive at your destination, if you are in a city or town, go for a walk around the neighbourhood and suss things out. Or if you are staying in the countryside, then make time during your day to go for a walk, pop out and get some lunch or have a walking meeting if possible, you never know, the person you are meeting might welcome the opportunity to get out and about rather than be tied to their desk or meeting room. If you are staying at a hotel with a gym, why not use the treadmill and walk or run if you wish. If you are stuck inside all day with no opportunity to leave, then this can be a great way to let go of the day and get some exercise without having to leave the hotel.
3. Food – It can be a challenge when travelling to keep eating well and fuelling your body for the busy days ahead especially when you are relying on hotel breakfasts, or grab and go breakfasts, buffet lunches, and dinners out with colleagues. The choices are endless, the food all looks great, whilst it is tricky to stick to a good healthy meal, try to aim for a good non processed protein with lots of veg and a small amount of carbs. But you don’t have to stick to this rigidly, enjoy the food available to you. Be mindful and pay attention to when you are full.
4. Sleep – depending on your room and where you are located, sleep may not be as easy as it is at home. If you are in a noisy city but are used to a quiet village, then pack some ear plugs and a sleep mask. You want to be sure to get a good nights sleep and there is nothing worse than non stop sirens or planes overhead. Try to get to bed before midnight to get as much sleep as you can. Do what you can to make your hotel room to your liking to help you sleep. make sure the room is at a good temperature, so not too hot or cold. Maybe you play relaxing sounds or music before you sleep.
5. Quiet time – if your day has been filled with meetings, presentations or a conference, schmoozing new clients or talking and working with colleagues then you may find yourself craving a little quiet time. You could go back to your hotel room and hide out there, or find a space in the hotel lounge to stick your headphones on and watch a movie in peace or take a book with you and read. Maybe you relax with a glass of wine or beer and watch your favourite tv show on your device or read the book you never seem to have time to at home. What about booking a massage at the hotel spa if it has one, or going for a swim in the pool or relax in the jacuzzi, steam room or sauna. Take yourself out of your day time and into your evening with a moment of relaxation.

Travelling with work can be non stop with little time for you to make sure your own wellbeing is cared for. Trying some or all of these ideas above, may give you a moment of self care and relaxation. You may have developed your own techniques for dealing with work travel over the years, feel free to share them.

Don’t put your own wellbeing on hold because you are away from home and your usual routine, try as much as possible to carry on and fit things in without stressing about it. Enjoy your trip and make sure you look after you!

Take care, have a great week.

Love Emma xx