Staying Active at Conferences

November 4, 2014

Traveling for work is tough. With cramped flights, long working hours, and a bed that’s not your own, it’s hard to stay energized and healthy. Despite these difficulties, health should never be compromised, so we’ve put together some tips to help you stay active when it seems like time is against you!

1. Work out in the morning.

Take advantage of the gym in your hotel. The 5:00 am alarm may look daunting, but you are sure to feel refreshed and energized for the rest of the day. If it’s warm out, lace up and head outside! Looking up good running routes near your hotel ahead of time will give you something to look forward to. Endorphins are a very powerful thing!

2. Ditch the cab.

Unless you’re carrying lots of bag or facing sub zero temperatures, why not walk to the conference? It will be a great way to explore the area, get some exercise, and jump start better oxygen flow and brain energy!

3. Walking meetings.

Finding a space to settle down for a call is always hectic at a conference with hundreds of other people looking to do the same thing. Why not try a walking meeting? Headphones will allow you to be hands free and take notes on your phone as needed. Just make sure not to cross any busy streets while looking down!

4. Meditate during lunch or before bed.

With an action packed schedule and a full day around people, don’t forget to take time out for yourself. We know that meditating may not be for everyone, so try deep breathing exercises if this applies to you. Breathing deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth for three to five minutes will help you to feel calmer, re-energized and better focused on the task at hand.

5.Take the stairs.

When given the options between an elevator, an escalator and the stairs, the stairs may seem like the least inviting option. If you’re not lugging around any bags, taking the stairs will be a great way to work exercise into your day. We don’t expect you to take ten flights of stairs in your hotel, but one or two will be a great boost for your legs.

6. Walk between lectures and meetings.

It’s tempting to claim a great seat in the front row or a comfortable workspace and camp out for the day for fear of losing your spot. Resisting this urge and walking for three to five minutes in between meetings will be a great way to wake up your mind and body, and add some extra steps to your day!

Don’t let health take the backseat to the heavy demands of business travel. Incorporate these tips into your day and inspire health for those around you!

Have any active conference tips that we missed? Let us know!

Susie Felber

Susie is a writer and producer who has worked in nearly every medium. As the daughter of a hard-working M.D., she's had a lifelong interest in health and is proud that she continues to lower her 5k time as she ages.
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