How to be productive while travelling
Whether you are travelling for business or doing business while you travel, being productive can be tricky. The distractions can be overwhelming, crossing time-zones is challenging on the body and stress can take its toll. In the meantime, you have work to do.
Travel can be one of the best ways to stimulate creativity. The new environments, people, food and experiences can open up new channels for the creative fluid to run wild in our minds. The downside is in order to be highly productive, you have to be on top of how to get the most of your time while on the road or in the air.
Here are some ideas:
1. Start with a proper mindset: before your next trip, picture in your mind how you would like to see yourself being productive the next time you are away. Know you will have to modify how you work, even if you don’t have all the answers right now. Put it out there that you are open to finding new solutions.
2. Be present: Be in the moment, open to shifting of how you get things done. The priority stays the same – get stuff done – but if you are in the moment, you might discover new or different ways that could be more fruitful. Plus, you will get more out of the moment.
3. Plan in advance: plan your schedule in advance as much as possible. If you are into fitness, plan how you are going to work that into your days while away. If you are a runner, plan ahead your jogging route and how long it will take you – and schedule it in your calendar. Dietary issues? Research the best places to eat before you go. Plan out your ground travel times, such as from the airport, or to the train station, and from the hotel to the restaurants or meeting places.
4. Minimize distractions: living in a tech world has its challenges, but sometimes you need to turn off the WiFi when you must focus on reading to prevent internet surfing or checking social media changes. Utilize the “Do Not Disturb” sign in your hotel room when needed. Use your headsets when noise gets too distracting to drown it out. Also, there are apps for streamlining tasks and productivity, such as Evernote, and you can get your world/local news when and where you want it using your favourite media apps.
5. Get some rest: our western society tends to value “doing,” over “being.” One key to productivity is to get rest, whether it is sleeping, taking short naps or meditating. This helps elevate stress and will help you think clearer. Plus, it is good for your health.
What are your tips on being productive while travelling? I would love to hear from you. Tweet to me at @Shannon_Skinner.
Shannon Skinner is an award winning television/radio host, international speaker, author and travel journalist. Watch her interviews with extraordinary women at www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com and follow her journey inspiring change in the world at www.ShannonSkinner.com.
