Be the Calm

Reflections on Traveling Well

I’ve been pretty grounded for the last two years. Grounded as in stuck in one place, not grounded as in a deeply connected to source (though I’m always seeking that). I’ve been on a plane once since March of 2020 and have only recently started to spend a little more time working back in an office, outside my home.

If there is a continuum for this phase of COVID as it relates to re-establishing relationships with work outside the home, I’m solidly on the “slow creep down the stairs into the shallow end” side while my husband has found himself on the “cannonball into the deep end” side with weekly plane travel.

We were talking recently about the way that this regular travel has been disruptive to his routine, especially related to health and wellness, and some of the things he is doing to mitigate this. It seems pertinent to share these for anyone who finds themselves in the same work travel cannonball situation, but also for those who might be traveling over the holidays:

• Pack a snack. Even if you’re pretty sure you won’t get hungry and need it. It’s like a little insurance policy against hanger should your travel day get off schedule (see also: practice equanimity below). Also it insures you have something you actually like and feel good about eating, instead of grabbing that questionably fresh cold pastry (unless cold stale pastries are your jam, in which case, you’re all set).

• Eat what you would at home. While we’re talking about food — think about what you would eat at home and try to recreate that as much as possible on the road. Sure, it won’t be an exact match, but the gist is if you wouldn’t eat pasta in cream sauce every night at home, maybe don’t do it while you’re traveling. Same for drinking. Resist the urge to have that extra glass (or two) of wine just because you’re on expense report and someone else is paying. Maybe just upgrade that one glass you’d usually have a little.

• Meditation apps, packable journals, and making time. If meditation is part of your daily routine at home, it’s easier than ever to take this with you. We love Insight Timer, but there are tons of great guided meditations online and through other apps (and you’re probably using them already). If journaling is part of your daily routine at home, take it with you. Think about using a journal that is small enough not to take up too much of your suitcase. Or if you forget to bring it along, maybe just use the little pad of paper in your hotel, or a napkin, or the back of a receipt. It’s the process, not the container that matters. Honestly, the biggest thing with both of these is carving out the time, which can feel harder when you’re away from your normal surroundings. Creating a morning or evening routine as close as possible to your home one is key to sticking to your practice.

• Exercise. This one is a little tough, especially in COVID-times when going to the tiny, sweaty, closet of a hotel gym might not seem the safest choice. My husband and I luck out here because we’re runners— which is possibly the most transportable form of exercise, ever. Got shoes? You’re good. Though, if you are also a runner, the added step of planning out some routes where you are traveling will likely help motivate you to get out the door (and if you’re like me, keeping them super simple will help you not worry about getting lost). I’m also a big fan of Yoga with Adriene for on-the-go yoga that doesn’t require a lot of props and have found some good free videos through the YMCA’s 360 service for things like interval training.

• Permission to disconnect. The four points above are all about trying to recreate what works for you at home to the best of your ability— this one is the opposite. What if you used your travel time to intentionally disconnect? Put your phone away. Resist the urge to turn on the tiny tv on your flight. Spend part of a train ride simply watching the world pass outside your window. My husband tried this recently and was asked by the flight attendant if he needed headphones for the tiny tv. He politely declined and explained he was actually excited to spend a little time not staring at a screen. I love the idea of reframing travel time as a mini retreat from technology.

• Practice equanimity. There will be delays. There will be lines. The overhead bins will be full. That guy next to you will be upset that there is no alcohol being served because it’s a short flight. There is no better time to practice remaining steady and calm amidst things you can’t control than when traveling. Tempers are shorter than ever (which makes me fearful that we have learned nothing over the last two years, but that’s another post for another time). Be the calm in the midst of that. I know it seems small, like what can one peaceful soul in a sea of rage really do— but small impact adds up and every time you offer a smile and simple, quiet, thank you to that flight attendant or person checking tickets on the train perhaps you’re restoring just a little bit of faith in humanity.

Whether it’s work or holiday that finds you traveling, hopefully there are some helpful tips for you here. And if nothing about food, exercise, and disconnecting resonated with you, that’s okay too. The last point is truly the most important.

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Things of Beauty

Just a few things that felt particularly soul-nourishing recently (or maybe just made me smile).

This lovely article on equanimity from back in November 2020. I love the image of being like the sea, unaffected by the fish swimming in it.

Santa Baby is not my favorite Christmas song. But this version from Vulfpeck has the potential to change that.

I love this sleep meditation that has you picture yourself by a crackling fire.

This picture that Healthier Hustle reader Mindy sent me— apparently these fabulous furry friends regularly visit the deck outside her office!

I’d love to hear your thoughts or any additions/suggestions you have to the list above. And always feel free to send me your squirrel pictures or other things that feel particularly beautiful to you these days.

Above all— whether you’re on the road, working from home (with or without squirrels), or somewhere in between- be well.

MaryChris