carbs, creating a steadier supply of energy and providing more
satiation. These foods include vegetables, legumes, and brown rice.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated (hint: by the
time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated). Adequate
hydration is good for all aspects of your body, including brain
function. Request water at business meetings if none is being offered.
• Limit or avoid foods that have been processed or contain
preservatives (often very high in sodium), as well as meals that
contain large amounts of meat.
• Select restaurants that offer healthy alternatives, and avoid eating
at fast food outlets if practical.
• Don’t go to bed hungry, as the body releases hormones to break
down glycogen for energy as you sleep, and these hormones can
interfere with sleep if there is no glycogen to break down.
• A small snack before bedtime is preferred over a heavy meal. The
latter takes longer to digest, increasing your metabolic rate and
body temperature, which, in turn, can cause sleep difficulties.
Stay fit and exercise
Many professionals find it challenging to get enough physical exercise
to maintain a healthy lifestyle at home—never mind trying to stay active
while travelling for business. However, there are opportunities to get
some exercise in while travelling. Here are a few tips:
• Take the stairs to your hotel room rather than taking the elevator.
• Walk up or down escalators or along moving sidewalks, rather
than standing idle.
• Walk to your business meeting rather than taking a taxi, where
practicable.
• Book a hotel that offers an in-house fitness facility (or perhaps is
close to a gym or pool).
• Make an effort to go to the gym early in the morning by
requesting an earlier wake-up call, or go the gym immediately after
your meetings are over. Just be sure to finish exercising at least three
hours before bedtime—otherwise you could experience sleep
difficulties.
As little as 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, done
on a regular basis, will help get your heart and other muscles working.
Eventually, you can build exercise into your business travel routine.
Get more tips from PPC Canada
As a members’ assistance provider for the ICABC, CGA-BC, and CMABC, PPC Canada can
help you and your immediate family members cope with various stresses, including the
stresses of business travel. Services related to physical health include:
• Professional and confidential counselling services to help you stay healthy with
nutritional coaching, programs to help quit smoking, and support for alcohol and
drug abuse.
• “Get Active” coaching to encourage exercise and physical activity.
Many of the tips contained in this article can be found in PPC Canada’s monthly newsletter
The Balance Sheet. Visit www.ca.ppcworldwide.com or call PPC Canada at 1-800-6639099 to learn more or to book an appointment with a qualified professional.
Mertens Valuation Services Ltd.
Independent Expert Advice
Rick Mertens has been assisting fellow accountants and
their clients with independent business valuation and
related services for the past 10 years. Rick is located in
the Greater Vancouver area but regularly works with
clients located throughout British Columbia.
Rick is committed to providing high quality service in a
personalized, timely and cost effective manner. He has
extensive experience in business valuations, economic
loss claims and transaction advisory.
In addition to his CBV and CPA / CGA designations, Rick
has also completed the 3-Year In-Depth Tax Program of
the CICA and other specialized courses, and can assist
with various planning matters.
Business Valuation | Litigation Support | Transaction Advisory
Rick Mertens, CBV, CPA, CGA
#2300 – 2850 Shaughnessy Street
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 6K5
604-518-7551 | [email protected]
www.mertensvaluation.com | facebook.com/mertensvaluation
www.linkedin.com/in/rickmertens
CPABC in Focus • Feb/Mar 2014
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