Business Travel:
Harming Mental Health, or the Key to Holistic Wellbeing?
Business Travel: Harming Mental Health, or the Key to Holistic Wellbeing?
There’s been increased awareness of mental health around the world over recent years, with around 280 million people in the world with depression. This severely impacts people’s lives, from relationships to everyday tasks and everything in between - including poorly functioning at work.
Travel is good for the soul
It's no news however, that travelling promotes happiness; it can enhance your wellbeing and have a positive effect on mental health. According to a 2013 study in the U.S., 89% of the participants noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of travelling. Just imagine yourself on a beautiful beach somewhere far away, and I’m sure you can’t help but crack a smile. Exploring new places and immersing yourself in new cultures is mentally stimulating, and doing this regularly can have great effects on your mental health.
Change of environment also helps boost creativity and motivation. We’ve all seen the four walls in our apartment and the office too many times, they don't necessarily encourage us to think outside the box. Do you ever feel like each day is repeating itself? Travelling is a great way to step out of your ordinary life and experience something new. Scientists show that visiting a new place, discovering a new culture and meeting new people can greatly improve creativity. Also, facing difficulties in an unfamiliar environment, among new people, forces you to learn and adapt to a life that's out of your comfort zone. Sounds great right!
But what about business travel?
At the same time as travelling in general has many positive effects on your mental state, business travelling can sometimes become stressful. Traditional business travelling used to be defined by small hotel rooms, unhealthy eating, soulless stays with disgraceful furniture, limited options for exercise and a tight schedule. Similarly, Andrew Rundle at the Harvard Business Review says the most common health threats for business travellers are stress, bad eating and drinking habits, lack of exercise and sleep difficulties. We wanted to change this.
Wellbeing is one of our core values, and we have reshaped business travel to not just accommodate but to go above and beyond the modern business traveller’s needs. We believe that travelling should always be fun and stress-free, it should feed the soul rather than the opposite.
Urban Rest has become a game changer
That’s why we’ve changed the old business travel game, and provide premium fully serviced stays with a focus on quality, comfort and consistency. Access to your very own kitchen and space to work or play means you can maintain a healthy mind and body. You can book a massage in the apartment, or attend an online yoga class with our wellness partner Blys. In addition, many of our properties come with extensive wellness facilities such as a gym, pool, shared outdoor spaces and yoga & pilates studios on site. We’ll ensure you have the best possible travel experience, regardless of whether you spend a week or a year.
When you’re on a business trip, you don’t have to be all business all the time. Have fun while you’re away! Taking breaks is just as important when you’re in the office or away on a business trip. Travel gives you the opportunity to try new things and meet new people, you will see something other than those four walls you’re used to. You can learn new skills, experience places and cultures you never have before, and therefore return with a better view of the world. We have properties located in all the major cities in Australia, so you can easily explore local restaurants, cafes and events. A Study by Harvard University conducted on over 400 travellers found that 94% of respondents had as much or more energy after coming back from a good trip. When done right, business travel can provide you with extra energy and creativity, you’ll feel that travel buzz even when you return home.
Let's pack the bags
All together, travelling for work the right way can definitely improve your mental health. It can be a great stress buster, make you feel happier, more creative and motivated, and the positive effect will stay with you after your trip. Urban Rest provides you with modern serviced apartments to enhance your wellbeing during your stay like no other. Now that you’ve finished reading about all the wonderful things business travel can do to your brain, it’s time to pack your bags and book your stay with us.
