Travel Anxiety

Don't Let Anxiety Stop You from the Joy of Travel

Jul 25, 2008 Iris Fanning

Do jitters, anxiety and fear make it unpleasant to travel? Don't let that stop you. Learn a few simple steps to reducing anxiety and enjoying your travel time.

Many people experience anxiety while traveling. When you don't travel often you can actually get out of practice and focus on the transportation portion of the trip rather than on the new experiences. These tools will help you move forward in your travels and enjoy the journey as well. Here are some simple ideas to help you relax and enjoy your travels.

Before You Leave

• If you find yourself dreading the trip, REFRAME. It's like taking a snapshot; use your mental discipline and focus on the fun you'll have. Focus on the lovely hotel, the new sights, the relaxation.
• Pack a bit early. Recognize that you can purchase almost anything you forget to pack.
• Talk with a friend about the exciting things you'll do and see. Ask if they have any travel tips.
• If you have physical symptoms of anxiety, realize it's a physiological reaction that's uncomfortable, but not a sign of anything really psychological. So, do a few things to calm the symptoms i.e. deep breathing, relaxation tapes, if you've tried herbal or homeopathic supplements these can help, Immodium (as per your doctor) for upset stomach, etc.

While You Travel

• Go with the flow. You can't control everything and a few glitches are normal.
• If things "go wrong" smile and thank the people who are trying to correct the problem.
• If you can nap on the way, do so.
• Tap on your "karate chop point." This is an accupressure point that helps you calm down. Say positive statements while you tap such as, "I am calm and relaxed. My breathing is slow and peaceful. I am safe. I feel peaceful and rested."
• Talk to someone you don't know just for the fun of it.
• Listen to relaxation tapes or read.

When You Get There

• Be really pleasant with all the transportation and hotel personnel. They will often go out of their way to make things easier for you.
• At the hotel ask if they can give you a really nice room. We have been upgraded to suites at the same price as a regular room when we've been excited & pleasant.
• Expect to take an evening or day just relaxing and getting situated. Give your physiology a rest and let it come back to normal without the anxiety.
• Enjoy your stay! See new sights and try new things. Vary your pace between active and relaxing.

Remember that the only way to get less afraid of things is to do the thing you fear! As you travel more frequently, you'll build memories of all the great places you've seen, spending time with those you love, experience the great food, sights & sounds and relax more as you travel. Not doing the things you fear doesn't stop the fear, it stops you from living!

The copyright of the article Travel Anxiety in Personality/Anxiety/Mood Disorders is owned by Iris Fanning. Permission to republish Travel Anxiety in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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