At some point in their lives, everyone ought to go out of their way to experience the joys of travel. It would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to witness something for yourself when there are so many natural and man-made wonders spread all over the world. Experiencing new places and meeting new people while traveling can give you a sense of vitality and liberation that few of us experience daily. On the other hand, if you struggle with anxiety, the thought of going on a trip by yourself may cause your heart rate to speed up. Even if you struggle with anxiety, there is no reason for you to avoid the joys of travel because of it. We have some fantastic advice that can help you overcome your condition so that you can take pleasure in your adventures. Look at this:
Make sure you’re with someone you trust.
If you have never traveled a significant distance on your own before, it is recommended that you travel with a friend or family member who makes you feel secure on your first trip of this kind. It doesn’t matter if this person is your spouse or a close friend; they can help you deal with any anxiety that arises. When you’re in a state of extreme anxiety, holding someone’s hand can help you relax and feel safe. You’re almost certain to have an amazing time if you travel with someone you truly care about. Even if you’re feeling anxious, remember that you’re not alone and that they’re right there with you.
Keep in mind that everything that rises must also fall.
And we’re not talking about a plane either. Even though a panic attack may feel like the end of the world, it will end. It may be difficult to “ride out the storm,” but once you realize these feelings will pass, your anxiety attacks will become fewer and further apart. Anxiety attacks can be a source of exhilaration for some people, rather than a source of anxiety for others. So, rather than dwelling on your anxiety while you’re 30,000 feet in the air, why not try to turn it into something fun instead?
Get ready for some changes to your typical schedule.
Your sleep schedule will likely be disrupted if you’re traveling across time zones over long distances. It’s no secret that sleep is a vital bodily function and that if it’s disturbed, you’ll feel anxious. Prepare yourself as much as possible by learning how to shift your sleep schedule when traveling across time zones. Instead of thinking of it as a break from what you’re used to, why not turn it into a night of fun and adventure?
Take things to do!
When you’re on the road, one of the best ways to ease your anxiety is to simply distract yourself. Even if you can’t use your phone on a plane, there are plenty of other ways to keep yourself entertained while you’re flying.
- Watch some movies on your portable DVD player that make you laugh and feel at ease to distract yourself from the events taking place around you. It’s also possible to bring a tablet or phone to watch movies on the go. Just be sure to have all of your gadgets set to “flight mode.”
- Coloring is a great way to keep your mind off of your travels while also creating something you’ll cherish long after you’ve returned home.
- The use of puzzles and crosswords as a means of distraction can also help you forget about your anxiety. By keeping your brain active, you can avoid the numbness that anxiety can cause in your mind. Doing crosswords also helps you learn more and learn faster than before. Plus, when your brain is busy, you’re less likely to think about your anxiety.
- The power of music is undeniable in any situation. Make a killer playlist that will energize and relax you at the same time. Instead of focusing on the journey itself, make an effort to envision your final destination!
- A handheld device or even the person you are traveling with can be used to play games. The alphabet game, for example, can keep you occupied for a long time.
- Spend some time in front of a book. Getting lost in a book is an excellent way to forget about your problems for a while. It’s always a good idea to bring some reading material with you when you travel.
Take Care of Your Luggage
It is natural to be worried about your luggage. It makes sense to purchase hard-cased luggage so that it is more difficult to tear or cut into. When you are out and about, ensure that your luggage is locked up tight. You can get some padlocks relatively inexpensively. This can help make you feel more secure. At the hotels, lock away all your valuables in these suitcases. If you have to check out of a hotel in the morning but have a day in your city of choice, then why not use the luggage facilities like this luggage storage Atocha Train Station. This saves you from having to lug your suitcases around with you all day. This not only p[rotects your belonging, but saves you from the anxiety associated with having to take all your things with you.
Talk to your doctor about getting some help.
Anxiety before a trip is quite common, and your doctor can provide you with a variety of options to help ease your fears. When you tell your doctor why you’re afraid to travel, they can recommend the best course of action for you. They may prescribe medication to help alleviate your anxiety, but it may also cause you to become drowsy. In some cases, they’ll give you a leaflet to read and give you advice on how to deal with your feelings. Talking to your doctor ahead of time could save you a lot of time and headaches!
Speak up, don’t keep your pain to yourself.
When you’re on a train, an airplane, or any other kind of vehicle over which you have no control, you shouldn’t just sit there and suffer in silence if you’re feeling anxious about something. Instead, you should talk about it. Air stewardesses and train attendants excel at calming nervous passengers because they are intimately familiar with the carriage they are in. If you’re on an airplane and you don’t like the turbulence that you’re experiencing, for instance, you should alert the stewardess and ask her to explain why the plane is moving the way it is. You should also let her know how you’re feeling. They will not only reassure you that everything is completely normal and go over the safety rules with you once more to ensure that you are protected no matter what happens, but they will also help you calm down.
Get Yourself a Camera
Even though we’ve covered a lot of ground in terms of how to deal with anxiety by distracting ourselves from the situation in which we find ourselves, this is only a temporary fix. What if you allowed yourself to feel what you’re feeling, and document your journey so that you could look back and realize that nothing bad happened? The next time you have to travel, you won’t be as stressed out. As a bonus, it’s a wonderful way to begin your travel photo album.
Reward yourself for your hard work.
Finally, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for making it through each gateway! This could include a gift from a local shop, or even a large cup of coffee and a donut from Starbucks. As a result, there is something to look forward to on the next leg of your journey as a result of realizing that this wasn’t as bad as you first thought. Try not to dwell on the fact that you’re in an uncomfortable situation, but instead, start embracing these new adventures and take them all in stride. After traveling, you may feel more confident about doing it again.
As you can see, there are a plethora of ways to help alleviate that pesky travel anxiety. Put these tips to good use and, most importantly, enjoy your adventures!