By Giovanna Silvestre
As stressful as it can be, I love traveling for business. Traveling with a purpose is always a good combination for me. I envy the people who can lie on a beach for a week and simply relax. Unfortunately, I wasn’t built that way.
Recently, I took a business trip to one of my favorite cities in the world, London. I was hosted by Supercity Aparthotels. I stayed in a luxury penthouse with a view of the London Eye. When visiting a city for business, I always enjoy staying in an apartment because you get a sense of how it would be to live in that city and really be apart of it.
With the excitement of a new place, stress of getting around and meetings I have to attend, it’s easy to feel like a chicken running around with it’s head cut off. I used to do the chicken thing very well but now I appreciate a more grounded and focused way of being. Here are three things I do on every traveling business trip to get myself mentally and physically healthy:
- Right when I wakeup in the morning, before I even open my eyes, I check in with myself. I ask myself, “How are you feeling this morning? Did you have a bad dream or a good dream? Do you feel tired or anxious about the day coming? Are you sad or excited?” Then I sit up and meditate for 20 minutes. In this case, I was staying at a gorgeous penthouse with a big terrace so I sat on the terrace with a blanket, closed my eyes and allowed myself to be with whatever sensation and emotion I was having.
- Recently, I have become obsessed with HIIT (high-intensity interval training). I’ll pick a various 20 minute video on YouTube and crank out a workout to get my heart rate up. For me personally, HIIT has been the most efficient way to stay fit while travelling. After just 20 minutes, I feel fully awake in my body and mind. Then I will do about 15 to 20 minutes of yoga.
- I give myself enough time before a meeting so that I can walk as much as possible. I’ll grab a cappuccino or tea to go and walk the streets with a new playlist on my phone. Even if I don’t completely vibe with a place, I will try to find the beauty in it. With London, it is very easy for me. I love the rain, the cobblestone roads, the architecture, the old red telephone booths, the diverse neighborhoods and of course the British accent.
Sometimes, all it takes is just a few minor adjustments to our daily routine to turn a frown upside down and really enjoy all of the blessings in our lives. Wishing everyone safe and happy travels.
Bio
Giovanna Silvestre is the creator of the international yoga wear brand Confused Girl in the City and travel lifestyle influencer. Find me on Instagram @ConfusedGirlLA.