Work Trip, but Make it Self-care
Bring these on your next work trip to make it a self-care getaway!
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Okay, maybe not really a “getaway” considering it is a work trip, and you will likely be spending your days in business meetings and nights at team dinners or team-building activities – but I swear bringing these things will help you get as close as you can to enjoying yourself on a work trip.
If you aren’t used to traveling for work, you may find it difficult to be travelling in a new place, and possibly, by yourself. These self-care rituals will help you relax and wind down. Even if you are used to traveling, you may never seem to have the time to do these self-care rituals when you are at home. So, make sure to head back to your hotel room after dinner to give yourself time for these self-care rituals (staying out until 2AM will ruin all of your self-care plans and probably give you a mean hangover!), and make sure to pack all these self-care necessities. You likely have many of them hiding in a bathroom closet just waiting “for a special occasion”!
Face Masks
Face masks are the best self-care pick me up! Single-use face masks are perfect for travelling and take up practically no space. All you need is 15-20 minutes and you can give your face a boost. Travel (especially airplanes) is dehydrating and always makes my skin feel extra dry. I love having a moisturizing facemask at the ready to give my skin an extra hydration boost.
My go-to masks are either the Mary Kay TimeWise Repair® Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask or a Dr. Jart mask. Dr. Jaart makes so many great options- take your pick based on your skin type and concerns. Personally, for travelling, I love the collagen booster and hydrating face masks. I stay away from anything with Vitamin C because I have rosacea, and pro tip- Vitamin C makes rosacea worse. Aside from being a quick and easy way to better looking skin, a face mask just really sets the vibe for a night of pampering.
Comfy PJs & Cozy Socks
Also essential for setting the vibe for pampering, make sure you pack comfy pajamas or an oversized t-shirt and cozy socks for hotel room lounging. After a long day of work and travel, nothing feels better than getting a hot shower and crawling into a nice big bed. You can do this wearing anything, but having your coziest pj’s will make you feel more relaxed and at home. Get comfy and let the DIY spa treatments begin!
ALL the Other Masks
Just like a lovely, relaxing face mask, bringing other masks for your hands, feet, hair, eyes and lips is another fun self-care option! I recommend single use masks for your hands, feet and eyes- these all make a big impact on dry skin and don’t require much space in your luggage. I also recommend bringing hair and lip masks. I do a lip mask every night after brushing my teeth. For hair or lip masks, you can get single-use masks or small travel-size bottles- there are so many options. I also love bringing all of these on a work trip because they are the self-care masks I use the least at home. Bringing these on a work trip gives me something to look forward to and feels special. You also wake up feeling fabulous!
LED Face Mask
I swear by my LED face mask and think it makes a serious difference in my complexion. I try to use it every day, so it is more of a routine item, but I still think it is a must have in a solid self-care routine. Once my face is clean and I have let my moisturizers settle in, wearing the LED mask for 15 minutes on the infrared red-light setting is a great way to relax before bed and ensures I will wake up with glowing skin.
Nail Care
If you didn’t get your nails done before your work trip, pack a small nail kit for a mani-pedi. You will need nail clippers, nail file and buffer block, nail polish and topcoat or a press-on nail kit. Optional items would include a polish base or nail strengthener, cuticle oiI, or fun nail decals. I recommend removing any old nail polish before you leave for your trip so you don’t have to pack nail polish remover- then plan to do your nails when you arrive or on your first night.
Gym Clothes & Sneakers
Working out may not be your idea of pampering but having time to get in a work-out or stretch (and/or maybe even a swim if you trust the pool and/or sauna and are willing to risk being seen by colleagues in swimwear), can be the best self-care! It has been proven (by actual scientist and from my own experience) that working out promotes relaxation by reducing stress hormones- this all contributes to released endorphins, a natural mood elevator and painkiller, provides a healthy distraction from worries, builds confidence, and enhances sleep quality!
It can be really tough to get in a workout on a work trip- the schedules are often jam-packed and flights are booked to allow for exit as early as possible- but if you can even just get in 1 workout, you will feel so glad you did. If I don’t have a lot of time, I will either do 10 minutes of yoga and stretching, or I will do one of the travel bodyweight workouts from Street Parking. I’ve followed Street Parking programming for years and can’t say enough good things about it, but you can download this travel workout PDF for free!
Book and/or Journal
Last, but certainly not least, bring a book you’ve been dying to read or a journal for reflection. If you’re looking for a good read, some of my recent favorites include The Briar Club and The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn, and The Wedding People by Alison Espach.
You could also take the opportunity to download whatever shows/movies you’ve had on your list, but no opportunity to watch at home. It can be hard to sleep in a hotel, so reading or journaling can help put you to sleep. Even if you don’t have time to read at the hotel, you will likely have plenty of time to read or watch your shows at the airport or on a plane.
Let me know if you end up taking any of these on your next work trip! I hope you can find time for self-care. I’d also love to hear if you have any of your own self-care tips I should add to my list!