Business travel is forecast to hit an all time high this year, and it’s one of the biggest ways that healthy professionals lives’ get sidetracked. Additionally, when you’re out of your routine it can be harder to hit the gym, find healthy spots to eat, and avoid the temptations that work dinners pose. So what's a wellness buff, turned road, warrior, to do?
Here are a few of my pro-tips for staying well when traveling for work:
•Bring healthy snacks: Airports have come a long way in the last few years in terms of healthy options, but they still have a long way to go. Try and prepare as much as you can ahead of time by bringing your own food and snacks and make sure you hydrate more than usual. Fresh berries, clean crackers, raw almonds and dried (sugar/preservative-free) fruit all make for great options. See my fave on-the-go snacks here
•Moisturize your skin in-flight so you don’t arrive dried out and prone to breakouts. Nothing is worse than flying across the country to give a hard-hitting presentation only to arrive with the solar system on your forehead. Avoid makeup on the plane, and reapply moisturizer often.
•Bring detox tea in-flight. Flying makes us retain water. So if you want to arrive looking your best, pack a detox tea in your carry-on. Choose a tea that has dandelion root, which acts as natural diuretic.
•Clean your area: Airplanes are a breeding ground for germs and you don’t have time to get sick. Wipe down the arm rests, screens, remotes and tray tables.
•Bring a portable workout: Hotels are getting more healthy (thank you, EVEN for paving the way!), but in case you’re tight for time and there is no gym, bring a jump rope, or simply do some HIIT in your room. See a few of my favorite workouts you can do anywhere right here
•Map out healthy places to eat: I like to map out the healthy restaurants and groceries stores near my hotel on every business trip. It keeps me from making poor decisions when I'm hungry, plus it often doubles as a healthy breakfast spot for me. Smoothies anyone?
•Get a massage on arrival. If you’ve been flying for a while, massage can be a great way to reduce aches and pains, as well as anxiety. The lymphatic drainage is also a great way to get rid of any water-retention from your flight.
•Bring your vitamins! I like to pack mine for the week in these cute little organizers. I just grab however many I need for the week and off I go.
•Take the lead on choosing restaurants: Whether it’s a client or team dinner, take the lead and offer suggestions for restaurants that you know have healthy and wholesome options for you Clean Plates is a great resource for finding healthy places to eat in your area.