Jet Lagged, Stressed, and Still Crushing It: How to Lead Strong While on the Road (Your Thursday Three Things for 29 August 2024 )
Three things that reside at the intersection of wellness and leadership!
Hey everyone,
Jon Macaskill here, back with your weekly dose of wellness and leadership tips. This week, we’re talking about something that hits home for a lot of us—travel. Whether it’s for work or pleasure, travel can take a serious toll on our bodies and, believe it or not, our leadership. But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you bounce back and stay on top of your game, no matter where the road (or rails, seas, or skies) take you.
How Travel Affects Your Body and Leadership
Let’s be real—travel can be rough. The long flights, different time zones, sleeping in strange beds—it all adds up. And when your body’s out of whack, it’s tough to show up as your best self, especially if you’re trying to lead a team. Here’s how travel can mess with you:
Jet Lag and Fatigue: Bouncing between time zones can leave you feeling like a zombie. Jet lag throws off your sleep schedule, messes with your energy levels, and can leave you struggling to focus.
Stress and Burnout: The hustle of getting from point A to point B, plus the added pressure of work travel, can ramp up your stress levels. And if you’re constantly on the go, burnout isn’t far behind.
Disrupted Routine: Traveling can throw your regular routine—exercise, eating, sleep—out the window (man, this is where I struggle most!). This can mess with your physical and mental well-being, which in turn affects how you lead.
But, just because travel can knock you off balance doesn’t mean you have to let it take you down. Let’s get into this week’s three things that can help you stay strong and lead well, even on the road:
Tip #1: Master the Art of Sleep
Sleep is your best friend when you’re traveling. Try to get on the local sleep schedule as soon as you arrive. If you’re flying, consider using a sleep mask and
