TRAVELING can be a double edged sword — when we travel for pleasure of course it’s generally restorative but when it’s for business, we can sometimes “build up” a lot of stress on the journey. Here’s some advice for those of you who are traveling a lot to spread your message, network or attend events, further your entrepreneurial education:

#1 with a HUGE Exclamation point!!! ALWAYS be drinking plenty of water! Spring water is preferable but if you can’t get that, any water is better than none. Extra water on your journey is highly recommended. We aren’t allowed to bring it through security unfortunately, but there is always water on the other side of those xray machines so make sure you leave enough time for yourself and room in your luggage to get an extra large bottle even for a short flight. Flying is very dehydrating and lots of water will help you to feel a lot better as you journey.

#2 Pack light! I always pack a whole bunch of choices for myself – then I unpack and take out at least a third of what I think I’ll need. When you are lugging around one or two suitcases full of stuff, you are definitely exercising different muscles and performing an unusual activity (unless of course you are traveling a lot) so be gentle on your body. Take only what you really need and then throw in maybe one “extra” outfit so you can change things up a bit if the mood strikes.

#3 STRETCH! Be sure to take frequent stretching breaks. If you are between cities on a layover, go ahead and get right down on the floor or up against those big posts and stretch, stretch, stretch. There are some great yoga poses you might want to try including spinal twists and rag doll to ease tension in the lower back from all that sitting and then lugging of suitcases. Walk if you are between flights – stroll the shops or just up and down the hall by your gate – to break up all the sitting that you do and to clear your energy field.

#4 Smile a lot at the flight attendants, the pilots, your fellow passengers, other travelers in the terminals, the ticket and baggage agents and all of the other service people. Sometimes a great smile and a positive attitude will make the difference when things get a little wonky . Be ready for the unexpected too and have that smile handy!! If your flights do get delayed, your luggage lost or you are stuck overnight and miss your meetings, remember “Man plans and Spirit laughs”. So look for the BLESSING in whatever the situation is and please don’t contribute to the “pollution cloud” of negative energy that can be created when people aren’t getting their way! Those opportunities are moments when you can really truly SHINE and be of service to those around you. Instead of complaining – smile, breathe and remember you are always EXACTLY where you need to be EXACTLY on time!

Note: This post was originally an article in the May issue of The Energy Edge ezine. If you would like to see the entire ezine and/or receive upcoming issues, please complete the “Do You Have Energy Blocks?” survey form found on this page.