- Start your day with a healthy breakfast
- Seven minutes a day may be all you need
- Stay hydrated and pack those gym clothes
We all know that it’s important to take care of ourselves, from getting plenty of sleep to eating the right foods and getting enough exercise. I think we can all agree that some days it’s all easier said than done. When you travel frequently for your job, as many of you do, eating right and exercising often take a backseat. And when you’re in the throes of planning your event, sleep… forget about it. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Sara Schnack, CMP
Sr. Meeting Planner, Meetings & Corporate Travel
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
Chicago, IL
Years of experience: 18
As a planner that travels monthly for business, I try to always pack running shoes and check out the area with a quick run or walk around the neighborhood of the hotel. This helps me get familiar with the area for my attendees and stay on track while traveling. I also always decline an amenity if the hotel offers, or request bottled water and nuts. This helps me to avoid the temptation of drinking a bottle of wine or eating chocolates. And my final trick is the “7 Minute Workout,” which I can do in my guestroom without gym shoes if necessary. This gets my heart rate up and I don’t necessarily have to pack all my workout gear to do it. There are no excuses for me, I can generally find seven minutes in my day to do this workout. It is an app on my phone and very handy. (Available on the App Store on iTunes and Amazon Appstore for Android. Coming soon to Google Play.)
Sr. Meeting Planner, Meetings & Corporate Travel
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
Chicago, IL
Years of experience: 18
As a planner that travels monthly for business, I try to always pack running shoes and check out the area with a quick run or walk around the neighborhood of the hotel. This helps me get familiar with the area for my attendees and stay on track while traveling. I also always decline an amenity if the hotel offers, or request bottled water and nuts. This helps me to avoid the temptation of drinking a bottle of wine or eating chocolates. And my final trick is the “7 Minute Workout,” which I can do in my guestroom without gym shoes if necessary. This gets my heart rate up and I don’t necessarily have to pack all my workout gear to do it. There are no excuses for me, I can generally find seven minutes in my day to do this workout. It is an app on my phone and very handy. (Available on the App Store on iTunes and Amazon Appstore for Android. Coming soon to Google Play.)
Andy L. Longo
Director of Fraternity Programs
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity
Fishers, IN
Years of experience: 15+ in meetings (30 professional work experience)
When I travel, I start my day with a healthy breakfast which helps me avoid the fast food and unhealthier options at the airport or along the road. I also pack healthy snacks such as fruit for the trip. Mealtime can be a challenge but I make the time to find healthy alternatives. The key is make the time! I’m a huge fan of the Fitbit and getting my steps in daily is very important so a treadmill in the evening is often where I can be found. Depending on my schedule, I can be motivated to get up an hour earlier to walk. I actually find those days the most rewarding!
Director of Fraternity Programs
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity
Fishers, IN
Years of experience: 15+ in meetings (30 professional work experience)
When I travel, I start my day with a healthy breakfast which helps me avoid the fast food and unhealthier options at the airport or along the road. I also pack healthy snacks such as fruit for the trip. Mealtime can be a challenge but I make the time to find healthy alternatives. The key is make the time! I’m a huge fan of the Fitbit and getting my steps in daily is very important so a treadmill in the evening is often where I can be found. Depending on my schedule, I can be motivated to get up an hour earlier to walk. I actually find those days the most rewarding!
Katie K. Riggs, CAE, CMP
VP, Client & Conference Services
Raybourn Group International
Indianapolis, IN
Years of experience: 10
As a long time meeting professional who is on the road a lot, I have pretty much developed a system to ensure each and every trip I stay on track to my best ability. Here are some of my top tips!
Sleep: While this is almost an imaginary item on the road, especially if you are running the conference, these tips help you get the best quality sleep possible.
Email Christianne and share your "Planner Perspective" today! What are your must-have apps for work and travel?
VP, Client & Conference Services
Raybourn Group International
Indianapolis, IN
Years of experience: 10
As a long time meeting professional who is on the road a lot, I have pretty much developed a system to ensure each and every trip I stay on track to my best ability. Here are some of my top tips!
Sleep: While this is almost an imaginary item on the road, especially if you are running the conference, these tips help you get the best quality sleep possible.
- Pack clothes pins to secure the curtains shut so that it stays nice and dark in the room.
- Skip the adult beverage at the end of the day.
- Pack a good quality tea to brew up to relax you prior to bed
- Request whatever will make your room more comfortable for you (humidifier, non-feather pillows, etc.)
- Pack snacks you love that are full of fiber and protein and bring them with you. Also stock the staff office with a variety of grab-and-go snacks that are also healthy.
- Build in time each morning during the staff meeting for the team to get a nutritious breakfast that includes fruit, lean protein, etc.
- Stay hydrated by packing a reusable water bottle.
- Pack gym clothes. You can’t work out without them, and we all know how precious suitcase space is, so you are more likely to stay active if you pack gym stuff.
- Wear a pedometer. Even on the days you can’t make it to the gym you can track your steps to help motivate you to get in gym time the next day.
- Map out your gym time before you head out on the trip.
- Download workout videos you like to your iPad or laptop that you can do in your room.
- Stretch before bed; it helps you get a better night’s sleep.
Email Christianne and share your "Planner Perspective" today! What are your must-have apps for work and travel?
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