Roadshow Health

Travelling on the Business Road show can affect your health — days on end of little sleep, stress and too much rich food and alcohol can do wonders for wrecking your body and turning back the clock on those weeks spent previously in the gym trying to get fit! However, with the help of good pre-travel preparation and self discipline it can be noticably less stressful than often anticipated.

Plan Ahead

Plan ahead; don't leave slides, talks and planning until the last minute. Set yourself deadlines, well in advance of the fixed deadlines you have been given. Liaise early on with the event manager, and instead of calling every five minutes with new questions, write down questions and call when you have all the information you require relating to your task.

Look good - feel good

Plan your wardrobe and contents of your suitcase - do not over-pack; you might need to carry your suitcase in and out of hotels each day, so be wise as to how much you are able to carry. A suitcase on wheels will be much easier with the busy schedule and also helps prevent back injury. Make sure you are aware of any dress codes and plan accordingly. Label your suitcase well!

Consider your Health

If you are on any medication, see your doctor for a repeat prescription before you go on the road. Carry any medication with you in your hand luggage, and have written information about your prescription in a safe place in case you run out or loose your medication and need to get some more. If you suffer from an ongoing health problem make sure someone in your group is aware of it and can help you in an emergency. Diabetics and severe asthmatics should consider having some form of identity on their person with emergency instructions on.

Try to get as fit as possible prior to the event making use of company fitness programmes and lower rates in local gym facilities - long days and nights require stamina.

Eating and Drinking

Eating on the road can be a major problem and often resembles jet-lag symptoms, eating in the middle of the night or in the early hours of the morning, prior to jumping onto transport to the next location. Try to stick to 'normal' meal times and amounts as much as possible — while the weight might stay off due to the fact you are running around, the health benefits and potential of raised cholesterol levels from bacon sandwiches will not help health in the long run.

Aim for healthy meals with plenty of pasta and carbohydrates to give you ongoing energy rather than quick sugar snacks, which will raise the blood sugar quickly but then, lower it just as fast. Healthy snacks such as bananas and other types of fruit will have better health benefits than a 'mars bar'. High fruit content juices will also keep your energy levels raised and caffeine drinks such as tea and coffee should only be used when you need added awareness levels.

Try to avoid alcohol as it dehydrates the body and will leave you feeling sluggish. There is also a risk of drinking far more on the road due to the excessive amount of time spent waiting around in hotel lobbies for equipment to arrive or rooms to open.

Good sleep, when possible, is essential on a Roadshow. Try to sleep 'normal' times as you would at home - even if it means missing the party.