As you travel the globe for business, you’ll notice that depending on the country you’re visiting, your health takes a backseat to your business endeavors. You will find that half the hotels you visit on your travels don’t serve food, which means you’re spending time searching through the city for decent food. In most cases, you’re trying to keep the spending within budget, which leads to less-than-desirable food choices. Not only that, your sleeping arrangements may end up moderate to below-moderate. Your sleep will suffer, and so will your performance. Finally, the stress of traveling will begin to wear on you physically and emotionally.
As an international business traveler, how do you stay connected to yourself, your goals, and your business? At Sapphire, we can help you stay connected to your business from over 100 countries around the globe. However, in this post, we are going to share some tips on how to keep your health in order while you’re traveling the globe for business. Traveling can be dangerous for your health, but we want to help you make it safer.
Why Is Traveling Dangerous For Your Health?
As alluded to earlier in this post, your physical, mental, and emotional health are all tested while you travel. Add in the stress of business endeavors to the challenge that is traveling, and you will find that traveling can be dangerous to your health. In fact, The Harvard Business Review stated that, “over 70% of business travelers report some of these symptoms even when they travel across only one time zone.” Here are the symptoms they’re referencing:
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Excess drinking
- Jet lag
- Stress
- Mood swings
- Disorientation
- Sleep problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
What’s more a study showed that hypermobility (frequent travel) increased the chances of suffering:
- A stroke
- Heart attack
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pathological germ exposure
- Radiation
Finally, as businesses search for ways to cut costs, they start with comforts like business class flights and accommodations to keep travel expenses low and the worth of the face-to-face business meeting high.
How To Improve Your Business Travel Lifestyle
As one would guess, traveling in general challenges your body and mind. But when the travelin becomes excessive, it begins to wear on you. Here are X ways to make traveling more safe for your body and mind:
#1. Research Your Accommodations
The quickest way to improve your traveling is to make sure your accommodations help improve your entire trip. A clean, comfortable bed in a semi-quiet part of town will do wonders for your sleep and sense of relaxation. If you have the opportunity, book accommodations that improve your trip, even if they cost a little bit more.
#2. Eat Two Healthy Meals Per Day
When it comes to meals on business trips, it can be tempting to order take-out or head down to the nearest fast-food chain, but over time this will only hinder your performance as a business person. Focus on eating a good breakfast and a good dinner. If you can get at least two meals in that are moderately healthy, you will find your energy levels and focus improve.
#3. Exercise Regularly
Do you have a routine on your business trips? Insert exercise into that routine. Whether it be running on a treadmill for ten minutes or doing body-weight exercises in your hotel room, make sure you get some kind of physical activity in every day. In fact, a study showed that about 30 minutes of exercise a day lead to significant health improvements.
#4. Stay Connected to Friends And Family
Calling back home or making time to do face-to-face calls can raise morale. It also creates opportunities for encouragement and support you may not have while traveling. Want to get a boost of confidence before your business meeting? Call someone you love.
#5. Prioritize Sleep
If nothing else, make sure you get a good night’s rest. You can endure your business travels if you have a solid night of sleep. In fact, lack of sleep adds to the chances of the conditions and health habits listed above.
Ready to improve your health while traveling for business? Consider the tips in this article. Otherwise, stay connected to your business and loved ones back home with the Sapphire MiFi device. Shop online now!