Planning for an upcoming trip? If you deal with travel anxiety which is anxiety related to traveling, it can be helpful to know what you can do to reduce stress and anxiety during a trip. Prepare for your upcoming trip by learning some methods of reducing travel stress and anxiety.
Anxiety isn’t something that just goes away. It doesn’t take a vacation just because you’re on vacation. So, it’s not realistic to think that you won’t experience anxiety while on vacation just because you’re not at home or doing your daily routine. In fact, traveling can be more stressful because it’s doing something that’s out of the ordinary. So, before leaving for your trip, understand that you may be anxious or stressed during some of your trip. This way, you aren’t overwhelmed when you do experience these emotions. And, are more prepared to deal with them when they occur.
Doing things for a trip at the last minute and running late can be an added stressor. So, make sure you plan things ahead of time to reduce your stress levels. For example, make sure you give yourself extra time to get to the airport, plan where you’re going to stay, book excursions in advance, etc. When you plan most of your trip upfront and allow yourself ample time to travel and do the things you want, you are less likely to stress about arriving late, missing flights/transportation, or not getting to do the things you want to do most. Therefore, reducing the levels of stress and anxiety on your trip.
While planning things in advance can help you deal with the stresses of being late and missing out on opportunities, you should also expect the unexpected when traveling. Sometimes, when you’re on a trip, you can’t always control things. For example, if you miss a flight due to unexpected weather changes. So, prepare for some things to not go your way. This way, if things unexpectedly occur during your trip, you’re more prepared for them. And, will be more willing to plan around them in a healthy way. Some things that can help you when unexpected things occur during travel are to always have a map ready, carry a credit card for unexpected expenses, and get travel insurance in case someone in your travel group gets sick unexpectedly.
If you have a diagnosed anxiety disorder and are traveling, don’t forget to pack and take your medication. Prescribed medication is never meant to be skipped. So, this means that even though you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean you should take a vacation from your medication. To help you not forget to take your medication, set an alarm when you need to take it on your phone or watch. And, make sure you pack your medication in your travel bag that’s on your person rather than a suitcase that may be stored away.
