How to self-care when traveling for work

SELF-CARE

IT WAS NO LONGER JUST ANOTHER NEWS TOPIC. SELF-CARE BECAME VITAL TO MY HAPPINESS.

Listen: Sunset Lover - Petit Biscuit

Traveling for work can be exciting. Learning new things while exploring new places, bonding with team members while building incredible memories…it’s great.

Most of my work life has involved me flying out on a plane traveling to and from a new city to meet clients and my international teams. There is something very special about it, however, if you’re not careful, the downside may just be you! Self-care is imperative when traveling for work, and it’s both physical and mental. Here, I provide you with tips to self-caring when busy on the road for work.

1.  Negotiate your travel with work and communicate ways of working early on

What will the travel cadence be? Will it be Monday through Thursday? Every week? Where will you be traveling to and how long is the flight?

Understanding your new schedule and the details of travel are crucial for you to understand how your life will be affected, and inevitably, your health. For instance, one hour of flight time requires 1L of water to remain hydrated. Getting the facts early on, will help you understand if you are able to fulfill the travel requirements and if you need to request changes (i.e. bi-weekly travel; specific flight times, etc.)

2.  Scope out where you’ll be eating - good and healthy restaurants near your hotel

Understanding your new schedule and the details of travel are crucial for you to understand how your life will be affected, and inevitably, your health. For instance, one hour of flight time requires 1 litre of water to remain hydrated. Getting the facts early on, will help you understand if you are able to fulfill the travel requirements and if you need to request changes (i.e. bi-weekly travel; specific flight times, etc.)

3.  Pick a clean hotel with wellness features

If you’re traveling for work, see how you can get a hotel that fits with your level of comfort. Some people prefer to stay at Airbnbs so they can cook. Others may prefer to stay in modern chains like a Westin or an AC Hotel, while others may go for a bespoke boutique hotel. Regardless, it’s important to scope out the scene and decide on a place to create a sense of stability.

Wellness features, like the hotel being close to a yoga or spinning studio, and healthy food, is essential for me. I usually don’t workout from hotel gyms but I do enjoy swimming and similar. What would your life abroad easier?

4.  Create a workout regime and book classes in advance

I’m currently working in another city and my workout regime consists of going to SoulCycle on Sundays to make up for lost time or during the week after work. I’m trying to do the latter and it’s been great. I keep my coworker and friend accountable and we book classes in advance.  

5.  Create a skincare routine and find deals near you

When I first started working post undergrad, I ran out to Nordstrom and bought so much Estee Lauder that both my wallet and future wrinkles started crying. I look back and think it was one of the best decisions. Skin-care is so important and I wish I could be a little bit more consistent. Check out the top products I use:

Morning routine

1. Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask (Travel Size) - ($18)

2. Purity by Philosophy ($24 - $55)

3. Toner (TBC)

4. Dermatologica ($69)

5. Estee Lauder Day Wear ($34)

6. Vichy Thermal Water ($10)

Night routine

1. Purity by Philosophy ($24 - $55)

2. L’Oreal Paris Clay Mask ($12)

3. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Serum ($70 - $100)

4. Estee Lauder Eye Supercharge ($62)

6.  Carve out time to meditate

Whether you’re using an app like Calm or Headspace, mediation is vital. I like to use Headspace and an assortment of other apps and sites to bake in some time to relax and reflect. In the mornings, I’ll read a verse of the day and pray, while at night, I’ll use an app like Headspace to fall asleep. I’ve seen this help my digestion, stress, mood and body weight.