How to balance work and wellness on a business trip to Orlando

Orlando. While it’s probably best known for its theme parks and family vacations, it’s also a world-renowned and incredibly dynamic business travel destination.

Whether you’re just passing through, or you have business meetings planned in this beautiful part of the world, it’s very easy to get swept up in the excitement and the energy of Orlando, so much so you might find it difficult to balance your work and still prioritize your wellness during a busy business trip.

So, what’s the best approach? As a strong and focused businesswoman, finding the right balance is key – but if anyone can do it (in one of the busiest vacation spots in the world), you can. Read on to find out how you can balance both work and wellness on a business trip to Orlando, Florida.

Start on the right foot: Arrival and accommodation

Whether you’re visiting for a networking event, you’re meeting a potential client or you’re exploring a new market for your business, a stress-free arrival is essential. One of the simplest ways you can achieve this is by ensuring you have onward travel from the airport already organised. Business travellers have several options here, including rental cars, hotel shuttles, and even rideshares.

Choosing the right option here can really set the tone for the rest of your trip, so take a moment to decide how it might be best to arrive at your accommodation – would taking a regular shuttle bus to your hotel make more sense? Or is a hire car more practical for the trip as a whole, especially if your flight is delayed!

For your accommodation, well, in Orlando, you’ll be completely spoiled for choice. Not every hotel or motel pays homage to Mickey Mouse and his friends. You’ll find thousands of options across the city, so finding one that will help you remain focused on your work but without overlooking your wellness is easier than you might think. Look for hotels or accommodation with:

Spas and wellness centres: Perfect for unwinding after a busy day in meetings.
Hotels with gyms: Perhaps you prefer to work out to unwind and let off some steam? A hotel with a gym would be ideal.
Quiet zones: Areas in the hotel specifically set aside for work, reading, or leisure activities could be essential to keeping your stress levels down.
Healthy dining options: What you eat during your trip can influence your mood and overall wellness. Consider a hotel that has plenty of healthy eating options as well as indulgent options for after you’ve closed that deal and want to celebrate.

Focus on smart scheduling

Take a good look at your schedule. It’s here you’ll be able to plan your working day effectively and also find plenty of time to work in some much-needed self-care. One of the most efficient ways to do this is to apply a time blocking strategy that highlights where you can prioritise your needs.

For example, if you’re in meetings between 9 am and 11.30 am, ensure you block out the next few hours to catch your breath, to refuel your body, and to prepare yourself for the next part of your day. Jumping from one business meeting to another will quickly tire you out and could even impact your performance! If you want to avoid burnout, consider these options:

Prioritise rest: Lack of sleep can worsen stress and negatively impact your cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, even during your trip!
Eat Well: Eating heavy, greasy, or highly processed foods isn’t good for you. But on a business trip, it could leave you feeling sluggish, tired, and even needing to take extra bathroom breaks! To keep yourself feeling fresh, remember to eat well.
Limit Your Social Commitments: While it’s nice to socialize and networking are important in business, limit the number of social engagements to avoid feeling overwhelmed and don’t give in to peer pressure.
Take Regular Breaks: Orlando has beautiful scenery, parks, and beaches. Remember to get yourself out of work mode and enjoy what the city has to offer. Time spent in nature is good for you and can keep your stress levels down.
Keep Hydrated: Orlando is hot and humid, so keeping your fluid levels up is essential in the heat. Remember to sip on cool water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated, safe, and full of energy.

Stay active

The correlation between exercise and stress levels has been well-documented for years. However, you don’t have to be a business gym bunny or stay at an expensive hotel with an on-site gym to get some much-needed exercise and let off some steam.

You’re in Orlando! There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air, move your body, and shake off the stresses of your busy day. Whether you prefer light exercise or you want to include something a little more adrenaline-fueled during your downtime, here are some great options.

Visit the local parks: Spring Hammock Preserve, Baldwin Park, and Tibet-Butler Preserve are just some of the many parks and outdoor spaces that Orlando has to offer. Consider a morning walk, a sunset stroll, or a hike along one of the walking trails.
Low Impact Options: For something low impact but also highly effective, consider some simple stretches you can do in your hotel room, book a beginner yoga class, or head to the hotel pool (or one of the many local options) to move your body.
Hire a Bike: Bike rental is popular in Orlando, and you can see so much more of the city this way.

Remember to make time for you

Balancing work and self-care is difficult even during a regular working week. But when you’re scheduled to work and take your business on the road to somewhere like Orlando, feeling overwhelmed can quickly occur, especially after a long-haul flight.

Always ensure that you’ve plenty of time for yourself during your trip – even if it’s just a whistle-stop visit. From evening strolls to watching the sunset from a rooftop bar, remember that balancing work and well-being is possible with a little bit of planning.