How to Find Balance During Work Trips

How to Find Balance During Work Trips I am  going to Washington  D.C. next week for a work  trip.   Since this is the second time this month  that I have had to travel  for work, I  wanted to  give you my  advice on how to maintain balance  while traveling for  work.   With happy hours, extremely  long work days and jet lag, how do  I manage to keep  my focus and productivity  in a hotel room? Balance During Work Trips Most of the  websites that I have read on this topic advise travelers to pack a week in advance.   Do people really do that?   I sure dont.   I think everyone has their own way of packing and traveling.   My co-worker  asked me the other day if I really get to the airport  two hours early. After almost missing a flight  in the past  because I had to wait in the security line for an HOUR, I always get to the airport 2 hours ahead of schedule.   I usually end up with plenty of  time to kill but I would much rather have a relaxing moment before my flight (with my Starbucks) than running to the gate.   I have enough stress going on preparing  for my work meetings, the last thing I need to worry about is a missed flight! If you have co-workers like mine, everyone wants to have lunch, dinner, and drinks when they are on travel. I think some of them even try to make a mini-vacation out of it. I try not to worry about going to  every social event during the week and instead keep  my sanity  by getting some down time. [Related Post:  Why Traveling Makes You More Hireable] If you remember anything about this post, please remember to  not be that co-worker that everyone is talking about because they drink way too much and are  hungover in meetings the next day. Even though you have to work while on travel, remember to enjoy the perks. You work hard and  it is OK to enjoy  your time in the hotel, eating  great  food  and sleeping with lots of pillows.   Also, try not to  jump back into work as soon as  you get back home.   You deserve a day off or at least a day to work from home, right? Other little tips that can make a huge difference in finding balance during work trips: Carry on little to nothing on the plane. Let the other passengers be the ones trying to fit their 50-pound bags into the overhead bin.   I could go on and on about this major pet peeve of mine. Make time to workout. Book a hotel with a great workout facility or go for a walk or run around the hotel. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated! Use anti-bacterial hand soap A LOT! Dont get sick! Wear comfortable shoes!   You may have lots of walking to do, especially if you are running from work meetings straight to the airport.   Invest in some cute flats to throw in your carry-on bag.   Check out these 27 Not-Boring Work Flats. Find clothes that dont wrinkle like  no-iron easy care shirts  or Brooks Brothers shirts. How do you find  balance while traveling? photo credit:  flickr