When it comes to business travel, many seasoned travellers find nothing helps sleep, relaxation and productivity more than that elusive sense of home. Familiar scents, sights and sensations are proven to help reduce stress, support memory and sustain routine –making you perform at your best when it counts.

Whether it’s travelling with a favourite pillow or family photos, scenting the room, rearranging the furniture or ordering fresh flowers, business travellers will go out of their way to turn their home base, however temporary, into a nest. Business travel can be isolating for some,  but there are a few simple things you can do to create your very own home away from home.

Bring a little piece of home with you 

Being surrounded by familiar objects can create a  feeling of control over an unfamiliar environment, by helping to reduce stress through enhanced comfort. Personal items such as photos of loved ones, a meaningful keepsake or even your favourite book help to create a friendly reminder that home is not so far away.

The power of scent

Scent evokes powerful memories and connection to home. Even simple things like packing all your own toiletries can help establish a temporary sense of home by providing familiar scents by establishing a familiar routine in the morning or the evening.

Staying connected to family and friends

When caught up in the throws of a hectic travel schedule, it’s easy to feel disconnected. But just because you are away from home doesn’t mean you should lose important face-time with friends and family. Connecting via social media is one thing, but there is nothing like a familiar voice on the end of the line or video call to take your mind off the stresses of the day.

Maintain your bedtime ritual 

When you are away from home it’s easy for your bedtime ritual to become disrupted. When this happens it can confuse your brain during the all important wind-down stages, resulting in a bad night’s sleep.  You might read a book for 30 minutes every night, or chill on the couch with a relaxing peppermint tea. Whatever your personal ritual, make sure you maintain it by packing the essential items you need to feel right at home.