Anyone who travels for their job will tell you that quick weekday business trips and ones lasting more than a month are very different undertakings. Both physically and psychologically, extended stays in temporary housing take a different set of coping skills. Here are five essential steps to help make life away from home a little easier.

Bring a piece of home with you.

If you read our previous post, you know that bringing photos, wall decor, or even a throw blanket from home can make a huge difference in how a place feels. That homey link can help keep you comfortable while you stay in temporary housing.

Plus, it can often offer a bit of brightness and personality to a room to make it your own.

When in Rome…

The full idiom, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” means you should eat, drink, and live like the locals when you’re in a new city. It means getting out and exploring; meeting new people, trying new things, and seeing new areas. It’s the quickest way to dispel that feeling of isolation when you’re living somewhere new.

Cook for yourself.

Eating out is an enticing way to socialize and try the exotic cuisine in a new city. But cooking in your own kitchen and filling it with the smells of fresh food is also a great way to relax and make it feel more familiar.

At Travelers Haven, all our corporate rentals come with fully equipped kitchens. So why not make the most of it by preparing a meal for yourself or for your new friends and colleagues?

Remember to relax.

Downtime is as important in our careers as working. The mind needs rest and distraction to continue to function at its full capacity. Remember to relax while you are away from the office. Many of our temporary housing is set inside properties with fitness centers, recreation rooms, sports courts, and social areas. Other rentals will be in cities where such activities are nearby.

Call home.

If you have family back at home, it’s important to keep in touch during business trips. With a decent internet connection, you have multiple ways to connect, from email and instant messaging to FaceTime or Skype.

The psychological and emotional boost from chatting to loved ones, even if it’s about nothing, can often be invaluable!