Tips for Staying Motivated While Travelling for Work

Travel, they said. See the world, they said. It will be fun, they said. Except that you travel all the time, and often, it’s anything but fun. Why? Because you’re taking planes, tubes and trams every other week for work, and it’s downright exhausting.  

The thing is, you actually used to enjoy the rush. Or at least you think you did. But today, all you feel is jet lag, back pain and a gaping hole where your motivation used to be. The good news, though, is that your self-pity ends today! Because we’re about to reveal the simplest and most effective of steps to get you bright-eyed and bushy tailed once more.  

Take Care of Yourself

We probably don’t need to tell you this, but regular travel can have a number of negative consequences for your body. Uncomfortable seating leaves you with aches and pains. Small, closed spaces create opportunities for germs and diseases to spread. And irregular sleeping patterns take a toll on your energy levels.

Add this all up, and you’re on a one-way path to burnout. That’s time off from work, or at least, being a lot less productive while you’re at work, yeah? So, here’s what you can do to prevent it...

1. Rehydrate

Dehydration can lead to headaches and fatigue, which is the last thing you need on a business trip. So, by rehydrating, you’re giving your body its best shot of functioning normally while you put it through the strains of travel.

Now, we’re not suggesting that you walk around the office with a bottle of water, garnished with cucumber and lemon, preaching to everyone about the detoxifying benefits of you fancy water.

All you need is some good old H2O, and a touch of determination. Set your hydration goal for the day, and make sure you reach it. If you’re not sure, 2 litres of water is a good starting point. And do yourself a favour - keep a full bottle on hand wherever you go. Taking regular sips will become a habit in no time.

2. Pack Healthy Food

While staying at hotels and B&B’s, it’s easy to get sucked into the convenience trap. Fast food is easy to come by, and its name says it all - its fast! But that doesn’t mean it's the right choice for your body.

Instead, take the time to stop at restaurants that prepare their food with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Then, carry healthy snacks with you during your trips. Sure, not everyone is a fan of carrots and celery sticks. But at least try not to rely on junk food to get you through the day.

You’ll need to take your vitamins, too (yup, Mum was right). With all the extra strain from travelling, vitamin supplements will give your body the added boost it’s looking for. Plus, you’ll be stronger against bacteria and viruses, even when you’re seated next to someone with the sniffles.

At the top of your list should be vitamin B12, because it’s a great boost of energy. In fact, it’s best to start taking this supplement routinely before you depart on your trip. So this one will take some planning ahead.

3. Move Your Body

Moving your body can be, well, challenging when you’re on the road. You’ll be sitting on the plane, sitting in the office, and sitting in the car on the way to the restaurant - you get the point. But all this sitting is only going to make you feel more tired.

So, be sure to do some stretching the moment you wake up. Walk where you can, too. For example, if you’re staying close to the offices where you have your meetings, try leaving a few minutes before you usually would and walk there instead of taking a taxi. Your body will feel more energised for it, and your mind, a little more motivated.

4. Sleep

After weeks of being constantly on the go, it’s no wonder you’re feeling fatigued, stressed and down right moody. A lack of sleep can cause some serious damage to your health. High blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and anxiety are just a few of the problems that can stem from a lack of sleep.

Your body and mind need rest in order to look and feel fresh. Make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep a night. Easier said than done, right?

Your to-do-list increased drastically throughout the day, it's not your fault. But putting it down, having a good few hours rest, and tackling it in the morning with renewed enthusiasm, is going to be far better for your body than pulling an all-nighter.

Be strict with yourself, know went to call it a day. This will set you up nicely for a full, productive day.

Set Short Term Goals

As humans, goals are what keep us going a lot of the time. They give us a sense of purpose and meaning. On your trip, it's best to focus on short term goals to keep you motivated. And we mean short.

Set yourself realistic daily, or even hourly goals, and then celebrate the small wins as they come. And no, we don’t mean with chocolate. Okay, maybe with chocolate. But it’s best to think a little out of the box when it comes to rewarding yourself.

For instance, a phone call to your family or loved ones at the end of the day can be a lovely incentive. Taking yourself to a nearby tourist attraction, and making the most of the city you’re in, is a great motivation tool, too.

Start Building Your Motivation Today

Travelling for business can be tough, but keeping yourself motivated doesn’t have to be. Follow these steps and you’ll be the voice of encouragement you need to stay motivated throughout your business trip.