Long work trips can be challenging, both physically and mentally. Maintaining your health and wellbeing should be a top priority, whether you’re travelling for weeks or months. This post explores practical strategies for professionals to take better care of themselves while away from home on extended business trips.

Prioritise Healthy Eating

Maintaining a balanced diet can be challenging when travelling, but it’s crucial for your overall wellbeing. While it’s tempting to rely on convenience foods or eat out for every meal, this can quickly take a toll on your health and energy levels.

Take advantage of kitchen facilities if your accommodation offers them, and don’t forget to stay hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle and aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This is particularly important if you’re travelling to different climates or spending a lot of time in air-conditioned environments.

Maintain an Exercise Routine

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health, especially during long work trips. There are many ways to stay active while travelling, even if your usual gym routine isn’t necessarily an option.

Don’t underestimate the power of walking. Aim to walk as much as possible, whether it’s to and from meetings or exploring the local area during your downtime. This provides physical activity and can also help you become more familiar with your temporary home.

Think About A Serviced Apartment Or Cottage Instead Of A Hotel

Think about looking at a serviced apartment or cottage rather than a traditional hotel for longer work trips. These accommodations can provide a more home-like environment, which is particularly beneficial for extended stays. Serviced apartments typically offer more space than hotel rooms, including separate living, sleeping, and often kitchen areas. The kitchen facilities in serviced apartments enable you to prepare your own meals, giving you greater control over your diet. County Durham is a beautiful place to visit, whether it’s for work or leisure, and you can find beautiful Durham cottages at Plawsworth Hall. They have apartments and cottages for long and short-term trips. 

Make Time for Leisure and Exploration

It’s important to make time for leisure activities and local exploration. This not only provides a mental break from work but can also make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. In the days, even weeks leading up to your stay, research local attractions, museums, or events happening. Try to take at least one day a week to disconnect from work and focus on relaxation or exploration. This mental break can help prevent burnout and keep you refreshed for the work week ahead

Prioritise Sleep

Good quality sleep is essential for maintaining your health and productivity during a long work trip. However, sleeping in unfamiliar environments can be challenging. Try to recreate your home sleeping environment as much as possible. If you have specific pillows or bedding that help you sleep better, consider bringing these with you. Pillow sprays can also help you to settle as if you were at home. We recommend Neom’s Perfect Nights Sleep pillow mist. A sleep mask and earplugs can be invaluable for blocking out unfamiliar lights and sounds. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can improve the quality of your sleep.