Table of contents:
- Tips for dealing with anxiety while traveling
- 1. Plan and prepare before traveling
- 2. As your mind wanders, try to think logically
- 3. Make the experience a lesson
- 4. Deal with anxiety
Tired of working, facing traffic jams, and fighting with your partner, will definitely make you stuffy. That is why many people crave a vacation. Even though the vacation you can imagine may be great, some people, including you, have experienced anxiety. Vacations that are supposed to make you happy can actually make you scared and uncomfortable. To overcome anxiety while traveling, consider the following tips.
Tips for dealing with anxiety while traveling
Vacation is one way to reduce stress. However, vacations can also cause anxiety. Meeting strangers, worrying about family at home, or fearing that something is missing can be a source of anxiety when traveling. Vacations that are supposed to help you cool down can actually make you nervous.
Martin Antony, Ph.D., a psychology lecturer at Ryerson University, Toronto told Self that travel anxiety usually arises when you don't know what's going to happen and are in an uncontrollable and unplanned situation. However, in general, people will feel anxious about personal safety while traveling.
So that you can enjoy your vacation time in a calm and comfortable way, you must deal with anxiety in the following ways:
1. Plan and prepare before traveling
In every trip, there must be things that are not as expected. For that, make a careful plan. Not a plan for activities at a vacation spot, but about problems that will arise and their solutions.
Even though the odds are small, at least you can relieve some of the stress and prepare yourself with various possibilities. Also, you need to understand that the anxiety you feel doesn't always lead to bad things. It could be that anxiety can prevent you from making mistakes during the trip.
If you are on vacation to a place that you have never visited before, be sure to know what the route is, the weather there, and the clothes that are suitable for you to use during the holidays. Not only that, there are other things you need to know and prepare, such as:
- Review the validity period of your passport, visa and other identifying data
- General knowledge of language, so that it is easier for you to interact
- Prepare any medicines you may need
- A number to call in case of emergency
2. As your mind wanders, try to think logically
While you need to think about things that could happen without you wanting to, don't get carried away with unreasonable anxiety. Try to digest whatever you were afraid of; whether it could happen that way or not. This way, you can get rid of fear and insecurity that you really don't have to worry about.
3. Make the experience a lesson
Anxiety can arise because of unpleasant experiences that you have previously had. However, don't let you forget the experience. It would be better if you turn the experience into a lesson so you can avoid it or overcome it.
You can also learn from the experiences of other people who may have traveled to your destination. Ask what the situation is like there, what needs to be prepared, and so on.
4. Deal with anxiety
There are many ways you can relieve anxiety when traveling and make you calmer. Try following some of the following methods so that you can control your anxiety.
- Make a list of your favorite songs that you can listen to a few days before your trip. Classical music, for example. This flow of music can lower your heart rate while reducing blood pressure and stress hormones.
- Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful place. Thinking in detail about what you find comfortable can help relieve feelings of fear and worry and improve your mood.
- Get your breath. Taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly is the easiest method to do. Do this several times until you feel completely calm.
