A work life balance is hard enough to maintain when you’re in a familiar environment. If you’re traveling for work? Good luck. At least that’s how it can feel if you don’t prepare.
On the flip side, traveling for work can provide you with what many people crave: a full-on reset.
Human beings are not one-dimensional creatures, and there’s no denying that many have additional passions and things they gravitate to. Things that make them feel good and whole outside of work.
Finding time to take care of yourself in these ways lessens the chance of burnout, and keeps you energized and attentive in other areas of life, including work. It’s a win-win.
Easier said than done, true. But, if you make work life balance a priority and actively map out how you plan on doing it, you’re much more likely to succeed.
Keep reading to learn foolproof ways to create and maintain your work life balance while on the go.
What’s Missing?
What books have you been meaning to read?
What have you reluctantly dropped because you just didn’t have time?
What things do you do that have a lasting effect that makes you feel incredible?
Take a moment to think, and jot down the ones that excite you. Did you used to love working out?
Did you used to enjoy cooking healthy meals for yourself?
Did you love the feeling of getting so in the zone as you taught yourself guitar with YouTube videos, that time just disappeared?
Without knowing what you want to do and having a plan for when and how you’ll do it, it’s easy to get wrapped up in a cycle of work, home, TV, repeat. There’s nothing wrong with winding down that way once in a while, however studies show that binge watching TV after work can actually increase feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
There’s no shortage of things to do and explore. If you’re hard pressed for any, what do you want to learn? What’s something you’ve been meaning to try?
Where are You Going… and Staying?
Knowing what your new temporary work location and accommodation will be is key to implementing your strategy.
If you’ll be working somewhere for an extended period of time, you may be staying in corporate housing or workforce housing on-demand.
Places like this are usually more conducive to maintaining work-life balance, as they come furnished and equipped with most kitchen utensils and appliances. Some even have gyms, or there’s a gym nearby.
Make it a point to seek out what you’re looking for at your new location. If fishing or golf is on your list, scout out some spots you can try when you’re there.
Who knows, maybe some of your new coworkers would love to accompany you. Same goes for hiking or other activities you enjoy and want to welcome back into your life.
Create a Schedule
It’s a fact. If you don’t make an effort to schedule something, it won’t – or is way less likely – to happen.
Carve out the time in your day you plan on spending working out, playing guitar, cooking, whatever it is. This is no different to time management during the working day.
Of course, knowing your schedule ahead of time makes this easier.
If you’re on a rotation and have longer shifts, be sure to focus on rest and make that the priority on the days you’re working, and use your days off to schedule your activity, explore and have fun.
Visualize yourself in your new space, making time to do the things you enjoy.
After you’ve arrived and settled in, adhere to the schedule you created. Missing a day or two doesn’t mean you failed; doesn’t mean you have to give up completely.
You may find that what you pictured and the reality are a little disjointed, and that’s ok. Make the necessary adjustments.
Studies show that hobbies and doing other things outside of work have positive effects on many facets of life, including your career.
Conclusion:
Wherever you’re traveling to, there’s bound to be something outside of work for you to enjoy. By being proactive with your time, and focusing on the things that help you feel rested, energized, and happy, your work travel experience may be far better than you could have ever imagined Read more
