In my last article, I started with the aspect of flying and airport navigation with hopefully a tip or two that I’ve learned. I’ll continue on in this article to some other topics that I feel essential to the lifestyle.

Image by: Brandon Cooper

Self Care

Being in a car or plane for hours, sleeping on a different mattress all the time and the demands of working and travelling can take its toll on the body.

  1. Yoga – I’ve mentioned it in past articles for similar reasons, but I can’t stress enough how much it helps me to practice stretching and breathing the day before travel and the day after I travel. Regular practice of yoga, but especially on those days has helped me overcome any sort of jet-lag or fatigue that comes my way. And if you are travelling by car or checking a bag on a flight – take that yoga mat with you.
  2. Exercise – Most hotels have decent gyms to spend time on the elliptical or do a few weights to keep your core strength. If the weather is nice, take a jog outside around the area. Yoga and or exercise can help with mental health as much as physical.
  3. Eating Healthy – Something difficult to do on the road is to eat healthy. Quick burgers and fried foods are so tempting to pick up for the convenience, but if you do it every day, it can take its toll. I still stand by my plan of fresh fruit daily for breakfast and eating healthy grilled food and vegetables as much as possible will make a difference in your performance day after day.
  4. Read and Study – Time alone is something most people don’t make the time for. Travelling has given me time to read and study things I’m interested in. Get off the social media and enrich your mind a little in your downtime.
  5. Make it an experience – Depending on the job or time constraints, usually you may not have much free time or time to see things during business hours, but I have made a point to see whatever I can, whenever I can. I’ve had the opportunity to see historic sites, Indian mound sites, museums and state/national parks while travelling. Usually these are little cost to see and worth the few minutes and effort to go see and this country is full of them. Research anywhere you are going and if you are driving along and see a sign that says “historic marker 1 mile ahead”, go see what it is!…..
  6. Visit Local – Visiting small, local bookstores, antique stores, restaurants or coffee shops, I have met some of the nicest people along the way and had enjoyable conversations with them. Give it a try.
  7. Stay Connected with Home – Staying connected with family at home is extremely important, what they have going on is just as important as what I am doing, Zoom, Teams, Skype or whatever your preference is a great way to help with homework, be involved and have the family calendar with you is a great way to stay connected and not forget about things like a ballgame or recital that you can’t be physically present at, but acknowledging that they have a game and wishing them luck can help keep the most important relationships in life strong until you return. There is a reason this one was brought up last. It is definitely the most important part of travel. The reason we do these kinds of jobs is many times not just for us, but for those we love.

Conclusion

Taking care of ourselves when traveling and living away from home can be vital to having energy and arriving home “ready to go” when we get there. The important people are there waiting and I don’t want to disappoint them with “I’m tired and don’t really feel like doing anything”.  When I pull up at home, I want to be ready for life.

Written by Brandon Cooper
Senior Controls Engineer and Freelance Writer

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Brandon Cooper
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