INSIGHTS
7 easy health hacks every business traveller needs to know
As companies return to business travel with full force, increasing travel budgets and frequency, it is time to address the elephant in the room- the physical and mental health of business travellers.
While business trips may seem exciting, with many people looking at business travellers living “their ultimate life” with company sponsored travel, business travel can be exhausting, affecting physical and mental well-being. Frequent business travel can lead to stress, increased jet lag, affecting sleep cycle. It can also impact diet, kick in lethargy and affect your routine, if you exercise regularly or do meditation.
Impact of frequent flying on business travellers
“Business travel is strong as corporates continue to get on planes for meetings, events, and conferences in the new year, but it does mean that an early morning flight followed by a full day of meetings can impact energy levels, while a long flight can create prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour and frequent in-flight food orders,” said Kenji Soh, General Manager- Southeast Asia, FCM Travel Asia.
To beat the blues and help corporate travellers continue with fitness goals, FCM Travel has teamed up with Healthwise to spread awareness on the importance of being physically active during business travel and share easy and practical ways for business travellers to keep their health and fitness in check.
“Employers have a duty of care to ensure their teams know how to keep themselves safe and well when travelling, which is why we’re proud to offer our people with Flight Centre Travel Group business Healthwise,” said Kenji.
“It can be difficult to stick to a ‘better you’ new year’s resolution, but healthy isn’t hard, and even if they’re short on time and seeking convenience, business travellers can still maintain and improve their health,” Healthwise’s Global Business Leader Tod Horton.
As you look to reduce the impact of business travel and lead a healthy lifestyle, here are 7 tips that will keep you on track:
1. Perfect your pre-airport routine
Business travellers can use the night before their flight to prepare for the hustle and bustle of airport check-in and security. Pack a healthy snack for the flight and get an early night’s sleep. Eat a balanced breakfast next day. These extra steps will help reduce any unplanned stresses ahead of departure and you'll notice health benefits of the same.
2. Use seat selection to your advantage
How much physical activity can you get on a plane, right? It is easy to sink into your flight seat and settle in until landing time. However, remaining immobile especially if your flight is several hours will leave your body working harder to pump blood from your legs back to your heart. In this view, business travellers can select an aisle seat at the time of booking. This way you can get up as you please (when safe to do so) and use the aisles to stretch your legs.
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
It’s common for business travellers to feel the need for a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine on the flight. Their diuretic nature combined with the humidity levels on planes, however, increases the risk of dehydration. It’s best to stick to bottled water when flying, and if you’re travelling on a long-haul flight, keep yourself hydrated with electrolytes.
4. Eat balanced meals, in moderation
It’s easy to slip into unhealthy food habits on a business trip, with the enticement of hotel breakfast buffets and restaurant meals on offer. Foods with processed sugars, such as pastries, energy drinks and chocolate cake, can cause our energy levels to peak and crash, so these are best to avoid if you want to optimise your energy levels. In addition, moderation is key.
5. Stay on the move when on the move
There is no reason to stop physical activity or pause your exercise routine during business travel. Staying active on a business trip can help your body acclimatise to the new location. So, how much exercise can one take get? Consider going for a walk after you check in to get the blood circulating before your flight or consider packing 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 all be performed in small indoor spaces and ensure you remain physically active during business travel.
6. Play your part in infection control
The best defence against illnesses like COVID-19 and influenza is to maintain basic hygiene such as thorough hand washing, especially after coughing or sneezing, and wiping down surfaces in high-touch areas such as tray tables and armrests.
7. Pack a basic health kit
A small first aid kit can manage minor injuries and illnesses while travelling. Pack adequate supplies that last your trip. Items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic solution, safety pins and scissors are useful additions. Medicines for minor cold and sickness symptoms can come in handy.
Physical and mental health on business trips
Business travel can come with its own set of challenges. That said, corporate travellers can continue to exercise regularly and take care of mental health by making small yet impactful changes. From strength training to meditating, these hacks will help business travellers to improve mobility on a business trip, reap health benefits and maintain fitness goals.