When the rigors of business travel test the limits of our well-being, seven executives and founders weigh in on their top health and wellness strategies. From a founder’s commitment to daily exercise to a CEO and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist’s dedication to yoga and meditation spaces, discover how these leaders stay balanced and focused on the road.
- Daily Exercise for Business Travel
- Hydration and Balanced Nutrition
- Incorporate Stress-Relief Practices
- Consistent Exercise and Healthy Eating
- Maintain Mindfulness Routine on the Go
- Adjust to Local Time Zone Immediately
- Designate a Sacred Yoga and Meditation Space
Daily Exercise for Business Travel
When traveling for business, I prioritize staying active by incorporating short, daily exercise routines, no matter how hectic the schedule gets. I’ve found that even a quick workout can make a significant difference in maintaining energy levels and focus during long meetings or conferences.
During one particularly demanding business trip, I made it a point to start each day with a 20-minute workout in my hotel room. This small commitment not only kept me physically energized but also helped me manage the stress of back-to-back meetings.
This approach has become a staple in my travel routine, ensuring that I stay sharp and balanced, no matter where work takes me.
Aseem Jha
Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
Hydration and Balanced Nutrition
When on business and hence on the move, it becomes very important to ensure that one stays healthy. Of all the strategies I consider important, adequate water intake as well as proper nutrition could be said to be at the top of the list. Lack of sleep and careless eating disturb my energy and concentration within a short period.
I have a flask with me at all times, and I make it a point to drink a lot of water throughout the day. It is therefore my practice to ensure that my meals are balanced with proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, even when I’m ordering from a restaurant or opting for room service. Constant snacking on unhealthy foods, plus very little energy boosts from food, can lead to digging an early grave; thus, the need to pack healthy foods such as nuts, fruits, or protein bars to avoid unhealthy snacks.
I also stick to the aspects of diet by engaging in physical activities while traveling. Whether it’s running in the morning, doing some exercises in the hotel’s gym, or even taking a walk during free time, it is very effective in trying to reduce the impacts of long flights and most of the sitting-down meetings.
Taking water, eating nutritiously, and exercising can help sustain my well-being, which would allow me to always be at optimum while on the road.
Mohd Rizwan
CEO, Travelosei
Incorporate Stress-Relief Practices
One crucial health strategy I’d recommend as a mental health professional is managing stress effectively. Travel can often lead to heightened stress levels, which can be a trigger for unhealthy coping mechanisms—like drinking.
To stay grounded, incorporate stress-relief practices into your routine. This could include mindfulness techniques like deep-breathing exercises, regular physical activity, or even brief moments of meditation. Keeping a structured plan that includes time for relaxation can help you stay balanced and reduce the risk of stress-related triggers.
Brooke McKenzie
Chief of Clinical Care Services (Lcsw), Dreamlife Recovery & Crest View Recovery
Consistent Exercise and Healthy Eating
I prioritize maintaining a consistent exercise routine to stay energized and manage stress. I schedule regular workouts, even if it’s just a quick hotel-gym session or a morning jog, to keep my body active and my mind clear. Staying hydrated and making time for balanced meals are also crucial, as they help me maintain energy levels and avoid feeling sluggish. This approach ensures that despite the busy schedule, I’m supporting my overall well-being and staying focused on my work.
Rick Eckerson
Co-Founder, Former Personal Trainer & Bodybuilder, Ready4 Health
Maintain Mindfulness Routine on the Go
One health strategy I prioritize when traveling for business is maintaining my daily mindfulness routine. Even when I’m away, I ensure to set aside time for a quick 10-minute Reiki meditation session. For example, during my last trip to London, I found a quiet corner in my hotel room, lit a candle, and focused on my breathing. This not only helped me stay grounded but also recharged my energy for client meetings.
Hajnalka Nagy
Business Owner | Reiki Healer, Cosmic Self
Adjust to Local Time Zone Immediately
One health or wellness strategy I prioritize when traveling for business is immediately adjusting to the time zone of my destination. As soon as I step on the plane, I set my watch to the time zone I’m traveling to and start mentally preparing for that schedule. This helps me minimize jet lag and stay in sync with the local time upon arrival, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being during the trip. Additionally, I stay hydrated, eat light meals, and make sure to get some rest, aligning my activities with the time zone of my destination as much as possible.
Doug Darroch
CMO, CBD Market
Designate a Sacred Yoga and Meditation Space
One of the first things I do when I arrive in a hotel room is choose where I can do yoga and meditation. This allows me to make that area of the hotel room sacred and makes it feel more like home. Also, it reminds me to keep yoga and meditation top of mind.
Mike Veny
CEO & Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®, Mike Veny, Inc.
