This article is a reprint of Wise Bread's contribution to OPEN Forum from American Express -- where small business owners can get advice from experts and share tips with each other.
Business travelers are true road warriors. They navigate a never-ending obstacle course of airport security, taxis, hotel check-ins, and eating on the run and still manage to put in a full day’s work. But after all the logistics, what’s the best way to relax and get a good’s sleep? Here are a few rules of the road business travelers can follow when it’s time to unplug.
We rigorously adhere to our schedules 99% of the time. Yet, when it’s time to travel for business, we completely disregard our normal wake and sleep cycles in a rush save $50 on airfare.
If your employer allows any wiggle room in your travel budget, choose a flight itinerary with reasonable departure and arrival times. Consider leaving a day early or staying a day late if it prevents a red-eye flight. Or, try to schedule your itinerary with arrivals no later than 6:00 p.m. This gives you enough time to retrieve your luggage, get to the hotel, unpack, have dinner and turn in at a (relatively) normal hour. Departures before 10:00 a.m. will only stress you out and leave you sleeping the night before with one eye on the clock.
Add a few sleep essentials to your travel kit:
The earplugs block out most ambient noise, but still let you hear your alarm or wake-up call. They’re perfect for dampening the sound of slamming doors and noisy late night hotel guests.
The sleep mask helps tune out other distractions and of course, block light.
Why the binder clip? Because hotel curtains never seem to close completely. Binder clips are perfect for securing curtains panels together to keep the light out.
You take time to choose your hotel; it’s time to get just as picky about your room. All hotel rooms are not created equal. Experienced travelers know which real estate to avoid:
For obvious reasons, all of these locations tend to be noisier than average. Also steer clear of rooms close to delivery areas or dumpsters, or your wake-up call will sound a lot like a service truck.
Depending on how full the hotel is, most clerks will happily work with guests and oblige special room requests. Don’t hesitate to make your preferences known — it’s a quick and inexpensive way to significantly increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep.
Once you’re settled in your room, there are a few simple things that can defend your peace and quiet.
Business travel not only throws off our sleep and wake cycles, it disrupts nearly every routine we have. Sticking to a few constants like exercise, diet, and regular work hours can help with relaxation. Avoid the more common pitfalls that come with travel—overeating or over-caffeinating and pulling all-nighters to catch up on work.
Our hyper-connected world often works against us when it’s time to sleep. Digital devices can disrupt rest in a couple of ways.
Rest can be hard-won even when we’re not on the road. Learning a few methods to unwind and making space for sleep is only becoming more important as our lives get more complex. Remember quality down-time and a deep, rejuvenating sleep is the basis of true productivity. Now, shut off your computer and get some shut-eye.
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I never sleep well when traveling. The one thing I hadn't thought of was the large binder clip. What a great idea. I hate that opening in the drapes! I've never really thought about continuing my sleep routines when traveling. I've always just accepted that everything is disrupted when traveling.
I'm going away for two week and I plan on using your suggestions! I'm counting on them making this a more pleasurable trip.