There a lot of reasons that makes exercising difficult when you're working overseas, such as jet lag, unfamiliar surroundings, and too many meetings. 1
Additionally, employees who find it difficult to exercise during the day are 96% less likely to be productive, which is more of a reason to be active.2
Here's how to add some fitness to your timetable no matter where you are:
- Keep active en route: If you know that you'll have some time to kill at an airport, travel in casual clothes and running shoes so you can do some brisk, fat-burning walks. Add an element of competition by timing your 'airport circuits' or carry a pedometer to record your number of steps.
- Request a walking meeting: It may not be an appropriate option for every kind of meeting, but if the other participants agree, it's a wonderful way to schedule a workout into your day. Walking meetings will not only achieve your business goal, but they'll also increase creativity, improve communication and engagement and encourage relaxation. Not only so, but you'll also benefit from seeing more of your host city than you would from a meeting room.
- Break it up: If you have a busy schedule, and can't seem to find a thirty-minute slot for your exercise, opting for two 15-minute sessions or three 10-minute sessions can be equally effective. Just remember: when it comes to exercising while on business, something is always better than nothing.
References:
[1] Harvard Health Publishing, Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
