Tips for staying well while travelling for work

As an executive coach, I understand that maintaining a work-life balance can be a challenge for leaders. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when you have to travel for work, as I recently did during a trip to Perth to work with busy clients on leadership and wellbeing. For those not in Australia – Perth is nearly a 5 hour flight away, with a 3 hour time difference from Sydney. It’s a glorious city on the west coast of Australia and is reputedly the most isolated capital city in the world.

While the work itself was energising and enjoyable with delightful people, the travel itself does take a toll. Flights, queues, taxis, hotels, long hours and time zone changes can all make it difficult to maintain your wellbeing and stay connected to your personal life.

Here are some strategies that can help you balance your work and personal life while on the road:

1. Prioritise self-care

It's easy to let self-care fall by the wayside and make everything 100% business when you're travelling for work, but it's important to make your health a priority. This can include getting enough sleep, eating well, and making time for exercise and other activities that keep you feeling energised. Even a simple stroll outdoors for half an hour is better than nothing. I was lucky enough to be able to grab an hour in the hotel’s sunny pool and felt a zillion times better as a result.

2. Create a routine

At home our routines are usually on autopilot and unconscious. Travelling disrupts that, so it's important intentionally to create a new routine that works for you while you're on the road. This can include setting aside time for work, exercise, and downtime.

3. Stay connected to your personal life

It's important to stay connected to your personal life, even when you're travelling for work. This can include staying in touch with family and friends (technology makes it much easier these days than when I started my career in ancient times), and even making time for hobbies and other activities that you enjoy.

4. Set boundaries

Technology may have made it easier than ever to stay connected to family when we’re away, but also to stay online for work at all hours. It's important to set boundaries and establish clear lines between your work and personal life. This can mean turning off your phone or email during certain times of day, or setting aside specific times for work-related tasks.

Also consider your itinerary and set some healthy boundaries around travel times. Will that red-eye flight that leaves you exhausted for two days really be the smart approach? Or would you and your employer be better off for you to arrive fresh after a decent sleep?

5. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness can help you stay focused and productive while on the road. Take time to practice meditation or other mindfulness exercises, or simply take a few moments throughout the day to focus on your breath and be present in the moment. Even standing in airport queues can be relaxing when you do this!

Maintaining your wellbeing while on the road can be a challenge, but it's crucial for your overall health and happiness. By prioritising self-care and staying connected to your personal life, you can achieve a better work-life balance and be a more effective leader.

Leadership isn't just about achieving success in your own career. It's also about being a role model and setting an example for your team and colleagues. If you create a culture of wellness and balance within your organisation, you help your team members achieve their own personal and professional goals.

Remember, being a leader is a marathon, not a sprint. It's important to take care of yourself along the way. By implementing these strategies, you can maintain your wellbeing and achieve success in all areas of your life.

Until next week,

Take care of yourself and others,
Madeleine

PS If you’d like to work with me as you manage a busy professional and personal life, let me know. Send me a message to enquire, and please share with anyone you think may benefit

I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.

1. Want to find out more? Send me a note and let me know.

2. Feeling unfulfilled, overworked or unclear about what next? Work with me to identify what is holding you back and make a plan for more powerfully and enjoyably pursuing goals that matter to you. Contact me to find out more.

3. Join my list to receive regular articles and insights, early news about programs and offers, and respect for your inbox.

4. Follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

5. Prefer to talk? Choose a time and it will drop right into my schedule.

Click below to share this on your socials…