How to take care of your health and well-being during business trips
Commuting is part of the daily routine for many professionals, but it can also affect physical and mental health. Changes in routine, meals away from home, lack of rest or long hours of sitting are just some of the factors that can disrupt the well-being of those who travel for work.
Aware of this reality, Flight Centre Travel Group's corporate divisions, FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller, have teamed up with Healthwise to share seven practical tips to help business travelers take care of their health and well-being at every stage of their trip.
Pack a basic health kit
A small health kit should be sufficient to temporarily manage symptoms of minor injuries, illnesses and pre-existing conditions while traveling. Carry the necessary supplies for the duration of the trip. Items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic solution, safety pins and scissors are useful in the event of a cut or scrape. Analgesics, decongestants and rehydration salts can help with minor symptoms of colds and illnesses. Other useful items include allergy medications and topical creams to treat bites and insects.
Perfect your pre-flight routine
Use the night before your flight to prepare for the hustle and bustle of check-in and airport security. Pack a healthy snack for the flight, eat a quick but balanced breakfast and get enough sleep. It is also advisable to check the route to the airport the night before, in case there is road work. These small preparation steps will help reduce unexpected stress before your departure.
Use seat selection
Once on board, it's easy to settle into your seat and wait until it's time to land. However, remaining motionless for several hours of flight time will make your body work harder to pump blood from your legs back to your heart. By choosing an aisle seat at the time of booking, you ensure that you can get up whenever you want and use the aisle to stretch your legs.
Avoid caffeineína and alcohol
Alcoholic and caffeinated beveragesína are tempting when traveling. It is common to be tempted by a coffee after an early morning or a glass of wine on the flight home to relax. However, its diuretic nature, combined with the humidity levels on airplanes, increases the risk of dehydration. It's best to opt for bottled water during the flight, and if you're traveling on a long-haul flight, consider trying a hydration tablet with electrolytes to aid water absorption.
Eat balanced meals in moderation
It's easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits while traveling, with the temptation of hotel breakfast buffets and restaurant meals. Foods with processed sugars, such as pastries, energy drinks and chocolate cake can cause our energy levels to rise and fall rapidly, so it's best to avoid them if you want to optimize your energy. In addition, moderation is key. If you've eaten a meal with lean protein, veggies and whole grains and still don't feel completely satisfied, a little ice cream won't hurt and can help quell cravings.
Keep moving when you're moving
There's no reason to pause your exercise routine while traveling, and staying active can help your body acclimate to your new location. Consider walking after you check in to get your blood circulating before your flight or bringing compact fitness items, such as resistance bands, that you can use in your hotel room. Simple exercises such as squats, burpees and bicycle crunches can be performed in small, enclosed spaces.
Do your part to prevent infections
The best way to protect yourself against illnesses such as covid-19 and flu is to maintain good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing, and cleaning high-touch surfaces, such as trays and armrests.
The best way to protect yourself from illnesses such as covid-19 and flu is to maintain good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing, and cleaning high-touch surfaces, such as trays and armrests.