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Business Traveler Guide: Health and well-being

A business traveler’s health and well-being are quickly becoming a vital part of a company’s travel policy. Business travel is often met with unhealthy eating, disrupted sleeping patterns, delayed flights, crazy meeting schedules and unfamiliar environments1 . It can often be hard to keep up with your usual routines and habits while in a new location.

On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact 2. For many people, a business trip can unravel the hard work they’ve committed to forming a routine. As a business traveler, it is important to try to continue your normal routine as it can help your mind stay focused, whether it’s for important meetings, presentations or events.

We’ve put together a business traveler guide to help you stay on top of your health and be conscious of your well-being while on the road.

Pre-trip planning

  • Pack comfortable or exercise clothes. Try and make some time on your trip to go for a walk.
  • Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated before, during and after your flight.
  • If you find meditation helps clear your mind, look ahead to see if your airport has any meditation or quiet rooms available. Alternatively, it might be worth exploring what lounge access is available.
  • While they’re more popular overseas in Europe and Asia, Dulles International Airport – Washington D.C. has Sleepbox5, a 16-private room longue with 24/7 concierge and maintenance services. Booking a Sleepbox at participating airports is another way to regulate your sleep for a more comfortable way to nap during a layover.
  • Prior to your flight don’t consume alcohol, sugar or unhealthy foods.

At the airport

  • While on your flight, do stretches to keep your blood flow moving or walk around when possible.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Avoid carb-heavy meals as it can make you feel sluggish and bloated. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable for your flights, especially if it’s a long haul!
  • Bring your own snacks on the plane, such as plain nuts, fruits, or protein bars.
  • Try to mimic your usual sleep routine or that of your destination.

Qantas: While Qantas hasn’t implemented this into their flights yet, they are conducting health and wellness research on three long-haul flights. The research focuses on in-flight passenger and crew health and well-being. Scientists and media experts will monitor sleep patterns, food and beverage consumption, lighting, physical movement and in-flight entertainment to assess the impact on travelers and crew.3

At your hotel

  • Choose a hotel with a fitness center or swimming pool.
  • If you are going to be somewhere for extended time, research the location and see if there is any local exercise group you can join.
  • Ask at the hotel if they have massage facilities, or if they can recommend somewhere locally.
  • Ask your Corporate Travel Management (CTM) consultant prior to travel to find a hotel that suits your needs.

Hyatt: Hyatt Hotels has recently partnered with meditation company Headspace to offer wellness programming and exercises to guests and employees at all its properties around the world.

Minimizing the effects of jet lag

  • Jet lag can lead to impaired judgement and decision making 4
  • If you can prepare your body a few days prior, you can try and beat jet lag.
  • Travelling west is less confusing for circadian rhythm as it prolongs the normal day-night cycle. Travelling eastward runs in the opposite. If you suffer severely from jet lag, try a westerly route if possible. Refer to our business travelers’ guide to minimizing jet-lag

Heading home/post-trip

  • Rehydrate after a flight and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, many people tend to get sick after travelling. By replenishing your body, you can help counteract this.
  • Try and get back into your regular routine (sleep, gym routine, etc.) as soon as possible.
  • If your body is craving sleep while trying to adjust back into its regular time zone, take naps rather than straining to stay awake.

 

Disclaimer: CTM recommends all travelers conduct their own thorough, independent research and take out adequate travel insurance prior to travel. Please contact your health care professional if you have any concerns or questions.

 

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