My work makes me travel to some beautiful places across India. I get to meet people, see new places, and sometimes I get to enjoy the local delicacies of the city too. My recent stretch of travel has been a hectic one, travelling to Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore within a week. This schedule looks attractive to anyone doing a 9 to 5, but it is certainly exhausting. While travel comes with its perks (seeing beautiful cities), it also comes with some downsides too, such as spending your time waiting at the airports, doing nothing.
Instead of seeing this as a downside to travel, you can instead utilize the time in crafting your future. Below are some examples of how one can better spend their time at the airport.
- Make a Goal list: It could be the best time to write down your expectations from your life. Think about things you would like to do, places you would like to visit, dreams you would like to accomplish, income you want to earn, etc. Make a list of financial, relationship, health, or career goals in a diary the next time you’re sipping coffee at the airport lounge.
- Read Books: I always carry a kindle with me. It educates me on the go. I constantly read books that add value to my career and health. I keep approximately 8 to 9 books on my kindle which I am reading simultaneously. This helps me keep a fresh mind when I get bored with one book. Afterall, variety is the spice of life.
- Eat Healthy: The best thing to buy at the airport are nuts. I am a fan of dry fruits as a health supplement while travelling. On the road, we tend to eat a lot of junk because there are not as many options (or rather, the options are less healthy). When you feed your body with almonds, figs, date bars, etc. you give your body the energy it needs to cope with the difficulties of travel. Need more info, check out – Super Foods for your body.
- Reflect: I always take out time for self reflection when I am waiting at the airport. It helps me realize what’s important and what is not. It gives me clarity about my priorities and motivation to move in the right direction. When we work 9 to 5 we settled into our comfort zones, but when we are travelling it’s time to rethink, replan, and restrategize what your life should stand for. A perspective you get from 35,000 feet up in the air is different from any other – it’s really the big picture of life.
- Stretch your body: Your body starts to feel sore while sitting in a plane for 2 to 3 hours in cramped seats – what can we do? Learn simple stretches for your legs, neck, shoulders, and spine and do them when you feel discomfort in any part of your body. Yoga has taught me to do some simple exercises which keep my spine healthy. Invest in your health by purchasing some yoga books which you can use.
Ultimately your life boils down to how well you utilize your time. If you want to see where a person is headed, see how he spends his time. Invest in yourself: it’s the greatest investment you can make. Be selfish for your own personal development, because “you” need “yourself.” Give time to yourself and become the person you always wanted to be.
