On the Road Again: Finding Work-Life Balance While Traveling

Work-life balance is a famously elusive concept. Some people think it’s just a mindset away. Others subscribe to a more Jack Welch-like paradigm of thought, where "...There's no such thing as work-life balance. There are work-life choices, and you make them, and they have consequences." For business travelers, though, it might be possible to find fulfillment somewhere in the middle of these approaches.

For example, technology makes it easier than ever to connect across distances. Hiring help for upkeep and things around the house gives you more time to relax and connect. These and more can help you find what kind of balance works for you.

Tips for the Business Traveler

1. Stay healthy - in your mind and body
   Traveling, especially when your work-life balance is out of whack, creates a perfect storm to fall ill. And not just in a cold/flu kind of way. Falling out of a routine can mean losing drive to exercise or eat well, choosing instead what’s easy and convenient. Take care of your health and make time for exercise, opt for the healthy options at meals, etc. Caring for your mind and body will help you maintain a healthy physical and mental space.
2. Get comfortable with FaceTime
   Or Snap. Instagram. Whatever tools your friends and loved ones use the most to stay in touch, bring them into your routine. Even incidental sharing can spark a sustaining conversation. Or, if you have kids, use these tools to read a bedtime story or just check in on homework or how the day went. Technology has some pitfalls, we know, but it’s a great way to not only keep in touch, but remind us that distance isn’t an excuse to lose touch.
3. Bring a piece of home with you
   Business travel might take you far away from home, but maybe there’s something you can bring that maintains your connection. Photos are one thing, but maybe there’s a piece of jewelry or a scent you can carry with you. A book or a magazine on one of your favorite hobbies. Your yoga mat or running shoes. Maintain a sense of continuity as you travel from space to space to lessen the sense of transition.
4. Delegate
   Don’t feel guilty about delegating tasks that you, frankly, might not feel like doing after a week away from home. Hire a cleaning service, landscaping work, whatever you need to get a break from work and focus on something that’s more substantive to your mental state.

Prioritize & Schedule with Care

Bottom line: stick to your priorities, and schedule appropriately. By creating priorities on the things that are truly important to you, it’s more likely that you’ll avoid burnout. If your job allows for it, schedule your business travel in a way that allows you time for work and play as appropriate.

Another piece of finding work-life balance for road warriors - having a travel management company that supports business travelers.  Carrousel Travel offers 24/7 personalized expertise to customers. Contact Carrousel today to help employees find peace of mind.