7 tips for blending work, rest and play

Ask any busy career woman what they want more of and they’ll usually respond with ‘more time to tackle my to-do list’ closely followed by ‘and more time off to recover from completing my to-do list’.

The pace of business, the cost of living, and the increased responsibilities women have to shoulder each day leaves us exhausted and often daydreaming of our next vacation. The problem is, most of us are also conditioned to want to be successful and accomplish our goals, which means committing to our development and working hard.

I’ve discovered a way to do both and it’s called ‘bleisure’. The term bleisure simply means combining business and leisure, and it’s something I’ve been passionate about for a long time. I’ve been running my business for 15 years and I’ve travelled to 76 countries along the way and I believe the bleisure life is achievable and sustainable for you too.

So how do we get more fulfilling travel experiences in the calendar where we can both learn and grow and feel as though we’ve had some time off to reenergise? I reckon it starts with these seven tips:

Make the choice

I know this is annoying and sounds so simple, but choosing to make travel a priority is the first step. For me, it’s non-negotiable and I’m motivated to find ways to make it happen, and focus my spending towards that too.

Become a money magnet

Stop seeing your job or business as the only way to bring in income. “I can’t afford it” is the #1 reason I hear why people aren’t travelling more. I challenge you to see where other income streams are available to you, such as consulting, investing in shares and receiving dividends, pet sitting, mystery shopping, online surveys, and more.

Maximise what you’re already spending

Often we’re already spending the money, but not getting the perks. Credit card programs, airline and hotel programs, payment platforms like pay.com.au and even your daily shopping could all be earning you points that translate into travel dollars. Recently we heard from Steve Hui from iFLYflat at the Movers + Breakers conference in Port Douglas and his presentation was game changing. I strongly encourage you to learn more about his work.

Stay with people

You don’t have to stay in a 5-star hotel every trip. Your accommodation could be free. Staying with a friend is a beautiful way to experience a destination. I’ve had the pleasure of staying with several of my Business Chicks friends in gorgeous parts of the country and had an amazing experience each time. Just say yes and accept the hospitality and generosity.

Make work out of your trip

Want to go to a fab destination but don’t have a reason? Create work while you’re there. You can have a meeting, attend an event, present a workshop or even book a speaking gig. Lean on your network and you’ll find ways to uncover work opportunities wherever you go.

Take your work with you

You do not have to be locked to your office or home. You can take your work wherever you go and work from a beautiful new destination on your phone or laptop. I write EDMs by voice note as I go for a stroll, write articles like this on planes, and even have meetings in pools. Yes, twice at least I’ve had powerful meetings at Business Chicks events in the pool, talking about serious business topics, but enjoying where we are. Just because you’re enjoying yourself and in a beautiful destination, doesn’t mean you’re not working. It’s time to shift your mindset on this and open up a whole new possibility for work.

Embrace the traveller mindset

Even when you’re at home, you can travel locally. Bleisure doesn’t mean jet setting on international trips all the time. Travel is seeing your surroundings with fresh eyes. Find joy and wonder in simple things, daily.

Emma Lovell is an author, master of ceremonies, speaker and business coach who supports people to combine business, travel and self-care in what she calls the “bleisure lifestyle.” She’s also a proud Business Chicks member of more than eight years and regularly attends events, hosts Masterclasses and the monthly member meet-up calls. “The Art of Bleisure: Travel the world, make money and live a life you love now” is Emma’s first book. Get your copy at emmalovell.au/book