Business Travel & ADD: Lessons Learned

I attended the AD/HD Coaches Organization annual conference last week and I thought it might be helpful to post my 'lessons learned,' especially as they relate to my earlier posts on 'business travel and ADD."

Lessons Learned:

1. Do NOT tell clients I'll be available via email. I had some problems with my Internet connection at the hotel and couldn't download a bunch of emails. This isn't the first time I've had this problem, either. (Solution: answer emails if possible, but don't commit to it.)
2. DO take the following day off. The conference was a Friday-Sunday, so I am now on my 8th straight working day, and have a full week ahead. A recharging day after returning home would have been helpful.

Lessons Reiterated:

1. DO plan ahead for self-care. One of the easiest things to "fall off track" with when traveling is food. I know that certain foods will screw with my energy and mood, and that includes hotel food. So the night of my arrival, I found a nearby Whole Foods and stocked up on the kinds of food I eat when I'm home. I felt much better at this conference than I did at the last one I attended, during which I ate a lot of hotel food.
   
2. Do NOT plan to get work done. I broke my own rule on this one! I know better than to expect myself to get things crossed off my list while away on business. It creates too much stress and pressure, and it's often an unrealistic expectation. But I did it anyway this time, thinking I'd do some work on the plane. I might have, if I didn't have two screaming kids and their neurotic mother behind me. Better to not plan on getting work done, and consider it a bonus if I do.

For more posts on business travel and ADD, see:
ADD Business Travel Tip #1
ADD Business Travel Tip #2
ADD Business Travel Tip #3

Comments

[Dr Lara Honos-Webb]

Hello Jennifer,

I'm trying to get in touch with you to discuss how we can mutually help more people with ADHD.

Could you please contact me through my email here?

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Lara