Taking Comfort to Go No matter how far you roam, you can unwind on the road.
By Julie Moline
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Business travel is stressful. That's a given. So how can you manage the wear and tear on your body and soul? Here are some tips from road warriors.
Exercise. You don't need to do a full-fledged workout. Go for a walk or take the hotel stairs (unless you're on a really high floor). If your hotel doesn't have a fitness center, find a local gym that accommodates walk-ins. And if you're staying at a Hyatt, you can play the complimentary 11-minute relaxation video called A Good Night From YogaAway on your TV.
Get a massage. Sitting in a plane, car or train for hours does take its toll. A massage works out muscle strain, improves circulation and promotes relaxation. Find qualified massage therapists at day spas, fitness centers and upscale salons.
Give yourself ample down time. Rushing to catch a plane, scrambling to prepare for a meeting and navigating your way through a strange town all elevate stress levels. Arrive at the airport early, and use wait time in the terminal productively to catch up on e-mails, shop, get a haircut or read.
Tune out. Bring along an iPod or noise-canceling headphones, such as those made by Bose. Music drowns out all those sounds you don't want to hear--crying babies, Muzak--and headphones reduce the drone of engines.
Do all you can to get a good night's sleep. Bring a white-noise machine or earplugs; eye-shades help if your room doesn't have blackout drapes.
Have some fun. See a movie you wouldn't ordinarily get to see; check out the local theater or comedy club; or go to a museum exhibit, zoo or aquarium.
Take care of creature comforts. Bring a soft sweater, a neck pillow and energy bars, especially if you're flying and you don't know when (or if) you'll be fed.
Julie Moline is a freelance writer, editor and editorial consultant in New York City.
