I once believed that traveling for work would be thrilling, but it turns out it's not!

When I first started out in my career, I got to visit some amazing places like China, Bangladesh, and New York City, and we even squeezed in some sightseeing. These days, though, my trips are usually jam-packed with back-to-back meetings, and I end up staying in a hotel close to the airport. My perspective has changed; I still love traveling and hope to do more of it down the line, but work trips just aren't as exciting as they used to be. It's even tougher when dealing with depression, which makes it all the more challenging.

This week, I'm heading out on a quick three-day work trip and thought I'd share some tips on how I keep it together while traveling for work, especially when my depression hits hard. If you're curious about how I handle my mental health on the regular, check out more here - Mental Health.

These might seem basic, but my top three ways to handle my mental health during work travel are:

Listen to Your Body - Make sure you're getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and recognizing when you need a break from the busy vibe of your coworkers. Business trips often come with after-work dinners and late-night hangouts, which might not be the best if you're dealing with mental health issues.

Choose Your Food and Drinks Wisely - What I eat totally impacts my mental well-being. Eating healthy, balanced meals helps me sleep better and keeps me focused during the day, especially when I'm trying to stay awake. Cutting back on alcohol, even though it's tough, especially on work trips, can really boost my mental health.

Stay Connected to Home - When I'm feeling down, I tend to withdraw and keep to myself. I've noticed my dad does the same, and I think I got some of my depression from him. When I'm on work trips, I make sure to keep in touch with my husband and chat with my loved ones. It helps me stay focused on why I'm traveling in the first place. I'm working to support my family and remembering that always keeps me grounded.

Do you find work trips challenging? Here are some tips to handle the extra stress and pressure on the road.

The content on Drifting Towards Simplicity is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment—please seek support from a licensed professional if needed.