Staying Happy and Healthy During Business Travel

Visiting new destinations is one of my very favorite things to do. I even love revisiting certain places (ahem... Disney World, Disneyland...) because there is always something new to explore. 

Even so, business travel can sometimes get the best of you. I am certainly appreciative of all the awesome trips I get to go on for my job, but these are for work after all, and many times business trips can leave you feeling drained and missing your loved ones. 

My two trips in January, or "Travel-uary" as I like to call it, are quickly approaching. This will be my third year doing this so I've learned a few of my own tips and tricks for staying happy and healthy during business travel. While this isn't foolproof and things don't always go as planned, I like to be prepared and try to plan as best as possible. 

1. Pack healthy snacks and stock up on water in your hotel room

This is the #1 Tip for a reason - you MUST stay hydrated and in reach of healthy options during travel. It may be tempting to get the most comforting food options while dining out, but what you feed yourself reflects how you feel later on. So get the french fries if you want, and the pizza if you must, but remember to have some fruit with breakfast or a nice, big salad for lunch.

Also, sometimes you get so busy working you don't have time to get a real meal, or there aren't even healthy options available (usually the case!). I always keep Larabars on hand in my work bag so I have something healthy to grab if I don't have time to eat during the day. Also, finding a nearby pharmacy is a great idea to stock up on water bottles so you aren't spending $5 on small bottles all day long. 

2. Get your rest

Sure, there will be sometimes when you will want to get dinner and drinks with co-workers, but make sure you're taking the time necessary to recharge. Travel and long work days will quickly drain you and a few extra hours of sleep is always more important than another cocktail (trust me!). 

3. Pack your most comfortable work wear

I know my business trips force me to wear the same outfit and shoes all day long, so comfort is key here. I will usually pack my favorite comfy dresses and a pair of flats that I know don't hurt my feet or cause blisters. I'm on my feet most of the day while working on business trips and I want to ensure I'm not having to work through pain while doing so!

4. Keep your immune system strong

From the airport to the plane, to a hotel and shaking hands of countless people... germs are one thing that you're going to be in contact with no matter what while traveling. This is why it is so important to not only get your sleep and stay hydrated, but to pack a few extra tools to help ward off any sickies that may come your way. I personally love adding citrus to my water as an extra boost of Vitamin C to keep my immune system strong. I'll be packing my Young Living Essential Oils of Lemon, Grapefruit, and Copaiba Vitality to add to water along with a roller blend for Immunity (Frankincense, Thieves, Lemon and Copaiba) to roll on if I feel anything coming on!

5. Don't Get Stressed

My January trips are both on the other side of the country, so there is a 3 hour time difference to take into account when I want to talk to the hubby back home. I like to check-in in the morning and again around 5/6pm my time to see how his day went, how the pets are doing, and to say goodnight. This makes me feel so much more relaxed! Social media is also great - nothing better than a Snapchat of my dogs and cats to make me feel happy!

I also like to pack a couple books or have a movie ready to go on my Kindle Fire for nights I just head back to my hotel room and relax. I'll also pack my Stress Away Roller from Young Living if I start feeling overwhelmed or stressed from the day. 

The last way I try to stay as un-stressed as possible is getting in a workout in the morning before starting my day. Because I'm on the West Coast, I usually wake up early anyway and have plenty of time. Whether it is a quick jog around town or a 20 minute yoga workout in my hotel room, getting my body moving first thing in the morning usually sets me up for a great day ahead.

Those are a few of my tips! Here is to hoping I can stay sickness-free and happy while on my many adventures this year!