De-stressing work travel
6 ways to reduce stress while traveling for business.
Last year, Drs. Friedman, Revenson, and Rundle published study results in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine that won’t surprise anyone who travels often for work: business travel is stressful. And it can harm our mental and physical health. Their study found that those who travelled frequently for work are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and greater nicotine and alcohol dependence. Frequent business travelers are also more sedentary which doesn’t help with the stresses on the body or the mind.
1. Give yourself extra time.
Rushing to get to the airport and then through security in time for a flight can increase cortisol levels and really stress us out. Traffic and line lengths are unpredictable. Instead, control what you can and give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Then if you end up with time to spare at the airport, you can use it to enjoy a glass of sparkling water or an apple from a kiosk — whatever makes you feel nourished and refreshed. Or do like the children do; watch out the window as clouds drift and planes take off and land. Even a deep noticing of the cargo trailers can be meditative and relaxing.
2. Pack thoughtfully.
If it’s a short trip, taking only carry-on luggage saves you the worry of losing it. It also means not having to wait for it to bounce down the carousel. Consider buying or borrowing noise-cancelling headphones to reduce the strain of cabin noise during the flight. Choose simple clothing that is easy to care for. Make sure to have comfortable earplugs and an eye mask so if you end up with a noisy neighbor or curtains that don’t quite block the light, you can be comfortable. Are there small luxuries that give you pleasure? Tuck in a favorite pillowcase or a room mist (we like the Calm Sleep Mist) or something else that soothes.
3. Choose a comfortable place to stay.
Rest and relaxation are so important, especially while traveling. Choose accommodations that prioritize guest serenity and well-being. Novotel Hotels entire ethos is about taking time to reset and feel good, offering a variety of services and amenities, including access to Calm’s premium mindfulness offerings (Sleep Stories, meditations, music, Calm Body and more). Click here to read more about Calm x Novotel.
4. Move your body.
If you love to run, pack your trainers and plan your running route ahead of time. If you hit the gym regularly, choose accommodations with access to a fitness center and figure out when the best time will be for you to work out. You can also use your downtime in the hotel room for a bit of gentle, mindful movement. Consider starting your morning with this guided Morning Wake Up session or finish your day with this Evening Wind-down.
5. Connect with nature.
Researchers at University of Michigan found that we can lower our stress hormone levels by taking at least 20 minutes in “a place that provides a sense of nature.” Ask the concierge about the closest green space and pay it a visit. As a complement, you can also use one of the 35 Nature Scenes with soothing sounds and visuals in the Calm app to de-stress.
6. Sleep well.
Choose accommodations with quality mattresses, linens, and pillows. Go to bed a little earlier, if you can. And give yourself extra support falling asleep. Listening to relaxing music can help you unwind from your day (Calm Soundscapes Sierra Nevada Stream or Sigur Rós’ Liminal are two meditative options.) Sleep meditation can help prepare your body and mind for sleep. And playing white noise can help you stay asleep, even if there’s hallway or elevator noise.
How to start feeling calmer with Calm
Begin de-stressing today, right now even, with a 7-session guided meditation series in the Calm app. It’s called 7 Days of Calm, and it’s free. Each session is about 10 minutes and includes a simple mindfulness teaching from our Head of Mindfulness Tamara Levitt, as well as a guided meditation designed to help you feel more calm and to easily make a few minutes of mindfulness a daily habit.
