Is it possible to keep routines while traveling and working? The answer is yes—but it’s challenging.

Last week I spent the entire week traveling around Japan. Even though I managed to take care of urgent meetings and squeeze in some work while on the move, I also tried hard to motivate myself to check off all my daily boxes. By the end of the week, though, I was completely exhausted.

I realized that not only did I not fully enjoy sightseeing, but I also wasn’t truly present when forcing myself to stick to daily habits like learning Cantonese, meditation, and singing. This created frustration: instead of giving me energy, these routines drained me. That’s when I decided to change my approach. Rather than obsessing over keeping every single habit, I chose to spend more time out in the world—exploring like a curious tourist. Surprisingly, this helped me balance the exhaustion and reclaim some of the joy of traveling.

It might sound lazy, but relaxing my routines actually improved my health. My body felt lighter, and both inflammation and allergy symptoms gradually healed as I gave myself permission to rest. Some days I was so tired from moving around that I simply let myself nap whenever my body asked for it.

Another challenge was exercise. My hotel room was tiny, leaving no space to do the workouts I had planned. At first, this frustrated me. But then I realized that all the walking I did while exploring different neighborhoods more than made up for it. Even without running or formal exercise, I was still moving plenty. That perspective shift helped me feel okay about skipping my normal fitness routine.

The truth is, to keep routines while traveling doesn’t mean you must copy-paste your daily life into your trip. Instead, it’s about adapting those habits in a way that fits your energy levels and surroundings. For example, instead of rushing through crowded tourist attractions, I wandered aimlessly through back streets, paused at small shops, and let myself enjoy random discoveries. I had no detailed traveling plans each day—just the question: “What do I feel like doing today?” That freedom felt refreshing.

One highlight of Japan was discovering little daily comforts that became part of my temporary travel routine. I took hot baths every evening, which helped me relax and reset. And I have to mention the heated toilets—an amazing invention that added unexpected comfort. These small joys reminded me that routines can shift depending on where you are, and sometimes new environments create routines of their own.

By the end of the week, my perspective had shifted. I realized that trying to force every single habit was unnecessary. Traveling is about experiencing something new, and part of that means giving yourself permission to break from the ordinary. So, the takeaway is clear: don’t pressure yourself to keep routines while traveling in a rigid way. Stay flexible, listen to your body, and focus on happiness. That balance will not only make the journey more enjoyable but also healthier.

See you next week!