Ever wondered how top business leaders maintain a healthy work-life balance during business travels? In this article, insights from CEOs and owners are shared to help readers find practical solutions. The first expert advises scheduling downtime between meetings, while the final tip emphasizes making time for meaningful connections. Get ready to explore a total of seven invaluable insights that can transform business travel into a more balanced experience.
- Schedule Downtime Between Meetings
- Reserve Time for Personal Well-Being
- Block Out Buffer Days
- Schedule a Digital Sunset
- Stay Active and Set Boundaries
- Keep a Good Morning Routine
- Make Time for Meaningful Connections
Schedule Downtime Between Meetings
One specific practice I follow to maintain a healthy work-life balance during business travels is scheduling “downtime” between meetings and work-related activities. I make it a point to block out time for self-care—whether it’s a walk, reading, or simply relaxing in the hotel room without any work distractions. This intentional break helps me recharge, ensuring I remain focused and productive throughout the trip.
Additionally, I try to keep the balance by setting clear boundaries on work hours. I avoid checking emails or taking calls outside designated work hours, allowing myself to enjoy the evening and stay present during meals or leisure time. This practice has not only helped me maintain a better work-life balance but also ensured that I’m able to give my best in both personal and professional aspects while traveling.
Shehar Yar
CEO, Software House
Reserve Time for Personal Well-Being
To avoid work-life imbalance during business travels, ensure to reserve time for personal well-being every single day, and that also includes following up a particular practice in daily life. Work travel can often be overwhelming with demanding schedules and long days, but having a routine helps me create symmetry and order.
I always make time for some form of physical activity every day, be it a morning walk outdoors, a quick workout at the hotel’s gym, or a yoga session in your room. Not only does this practice keep me active, but it also helps clear my mind and get me ready for the day ahead. I schedule that time before work obligations or meetings and treat it as non-negotiable. It frames my day more equitably, and helps me tackle work with more focus and energy.
Besides the physical activity, I remind myself to switch off completely from work in the evening. This could be reading a book, listening to music or calling family and friends just to check in. This intentional separation releases the mental and emotional energy I need to recharge, both at the office and at home.
A different tip that I practice is to be mindful with meal prepping. You may find yourself snacking on-the-go or snubbing meals altogether. During the day I try to eat balanced meals and drink water. This one simple action is great for my energy and mood in general and helps in dealing with the stresses of business travel.
I force myself to stay organized and balanced by taking a lower number of work commitments while traveling as well. It might be easier to book every hour of every day with meetings and activities, but I value quality over quantity. This keeps stress levels lower and makes room for more free time moments.
The one biggest takeaway from all these travel experiences so far for me is that you need to be purposeful and make plans to maintain the work-life balance while traveling. The result is that by making sure I fit activity, personal time, and healthy habits into my day, I not only get things done, but I also enjoy the ride. For anyone who’s navigating a busy work travel schedule, my personal advice is to establish a basic routine that suits your patterns and adhere to it. Balance comes when you take care of YOU first.
Saralyn Cohen
CEO, Able To Change Recovery
Block Out Buffer Days
As a car detailing expert and service provider, business travel often takes me to clients who require on-site services. One key practice I’ve adopted is blocking out “buffer days” before and after a trip. These days are specifically reserved for relaxation or catching up with family, ensuring I don’t immediately dive back into work stress.
For example, after a recent trip where I spent three days detailing vehicles for a corporate fleet, I took an extra day to unwind and spend time outdoors with my family. This time off helped me recharge, allowing me to return to my regular routine with renewed energy.
Work-life balance is about boundaries. By setting clear limits on when you work and when you rest, you can avoid burnout and maintain peak productivity, even during demanding travel schedules. It’s a strategy that ensures long-term sustainability in both personal and professional life.
Ryan Farook
Owner, Ryans Mobile Car Detailing
Schedule a Digital Sunset
Whenever I travel for work, I schedule a “digital sunset”—a specific time in the evening when I disconnect from all devices. During this window, I either write a personal note to my family or document a thought or memory from the day in a small journal. It’s a grounding habit that keeps me connected to what matters most, even when I’m miles away.
Dinesh Agarwal
Founder, CEO, RecurPost
Stay Active and Set Boundaries
When I’m traveling for business, I make it a point to stay active, even if I’m on the go. I’ve found that a good workout routine, even if it’s just a 20-minute session in the hotel gym, helps clear my mind and re-energize me for meetings. I also try to maintain a strict cut-off time for work—no emails or calls after 7 PM. This helps me set boundaries and makes sure I still get time to relax and recharge.
I’ve had to learn that it’s okay not to be “on” all the time, especially when juggling different time zones. Maintaining this routine keeps me grounded and helps avoid burnout while still being productive.
Matt Little
Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House
Keep a Good Morning Routine
Being in a field that requires you to travel a lot can make it difficult to maintain a good work-life balance. We are constantly on-location, switching from hotels to resorts to cruise ships where we teach leaders and staff the best practices for creating an ideal guest experience.
This typically means one day is nothing like the next.
I try to maintain some balance by keeping to a good morning routine, no matter where I am. It includes a few minutes of quiet reflection with a cup of tea or coffee and some light exercise to prepare for the day ahead—I love to do a sunrise run in a new city—makes me feel like I am having a local experience!
It helps ground me for what I need to tackle that day. It’s where I find the calm and clarity I need to give my best even in the midst of travel chaos.
Darragh McGillicuddy
Founder and MD, McGillicuddy Hospitality
Make Time for Meaningful Connections
For me, business travel is more of a perk than a burden—it’s an opportunity to explore new places while meeting clients or attending events. That said, maintaining a healthy work-life balance while traveling does require intention. One specific practice I follow is making time for meaningful connections with family and friends, even when I’m on the go. Whether it’s a quick FaceTime call or a thoughtful message, staying connected helps bridge the gap and keeps me grounded, no matter how busy things get.
At the same time, I make an effort to enjoy the unique aspects of being away. If there’s downtime, I’ll explore the local area, try a new restaurant, or simply take in the change of scenery. It’s a reminder to treat the experience as more than just work and to enjoy the benefits of travel rather than seeing it as a disruption.
The balance, for me, comes from accepting that while you are away from home, it’s okay to enjoy the moment. By staying connected to those who matter and embracing the opportunities travel provides, business trips can feel less like work and more like a rewarding experience.
Jm Littman
CEO, Webheads
