Originally posted on November 30, 2014 @ 7:27 am
Working while on the go is never easy, but it’s especially challenging if you’re not taking care of your holistic health (and don’t have the right technology!). For example, did you choose your laptop based on your travel needs or was it the lowest priced option at last year’s Black Friday sale? Do you never spring for business class even though the entire ticket is a tax write-off for your freelancing business? There are many ways to travel better, yet business travelers tend to play martyr when clacking away on a plane.
Start by focusing on your health first, such as ensuring you have a travel-friendly CPAP machine and easily packable accessories. Not getting a good night’s sleep because of your sleep apnea will lead to a subpar business trip.
Here are a few more ways to work your best no matter where you are in the world (even if it’s in economy class):
1. Re-train your sleep schedule
If you’ll be in a different time zone for at least a week, start adjusting your sleep schedule by an hour each night up to a month in advance. The Centers for Disease Control offers some great tips on better sleep hygiene, and you can use them to encourage your body to shift habits. It’s better to slowly transition rather than shock your body (or, worse, get into a horrible pattern by sleeping through the day when you arrive).
2. Spring for a travel hot spot Wi-Fi signal
The good news is that most airport offer Wi-Fi these days, but the bad news is that it isn’t always that great. While traveling “hot spots” can be spendy, they’re reasonable if it’s just for a month. Recently, MIT Technology Review reported on the rise of the virtual office, but you can’t be part of it if your signal is iffy.
3. Schedule leisure time
Business or leisure? It had better be both if you really want to be at the top of your game. Just like you’ll reach burnout if you don’t have days off, the same is true when you’re working and traveling. For those who travel for business frequently, the thrill of sightseeing might have worn off, but re-embrace it. You chose a career path that offers opportunities many would love to have.
Most importantly, check with your CPA to see what write-offs are available. You might be able to deduct a number of perks that you’ve been overlooking.