Travel anxiety is one of the most common fears among people who are interested in travel. Luckily, there are many ways to get over it. You may need to take a break, consult with a mental health professional or simply make sure that you have the right preparation before embarking on your trip.
Preparation
Traveling can be a great experience for everyone, but if you suffer from anxiety, you may find yourself feeling isolated, anxious, or depressed. It’s important to know that you can find effective treatments for your travel-related anxieties. There are several options for curing your travel anxiety, including medication, therapy, and a change in mindset.
The most common treatment for travel-related anxiety is medication. Antidepressants are effective for treating anxiety because they regulate brain chemical imbalances. You may also need to practice self-help strategies or work with a professional to learn relaxation techniques and coping skills.
Therapy can help you develop a more positive mindset and reframe your thinking about travel. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps you recognize and deal with your anxieties.
Planning your trip in advance can reduce your stress. Having a list of activities, destinations, and accommodations can help you stay relaxed. You can also use your list as a reminder to take care of yourself.
If you’re afraid of traveling alone, it can be helpful to bring along a friend or relative. This person can provide reassurance and help you get around. They can also care for your pet or plants if you need them.
In addition, you can reduce your anxiety by staying hydrated and eating healthy. You should also bring items that calm you such as your favorite pillow and favorite music. Avoid drinking alcohol because it can exacerbate your anxiety.
Some people find that meditation can help them relax and refocus their thoughts. Practice breathing slowly and deeply to relieve the anxiety that can occur during travel. A good way to do this is to create a calming image in your mind.
If you’re traveling alone, you can work with a mental health professional before your next trip. He or she can recommend therapies and medicines, as well as provide medical help if needed.
If you need help, you can visit the SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. BetterHelp, a mental health network, has a wide network of providers. Their plans start at $60 a week + 20% off.
Over-planning
A vacation can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be stressful. Luckily, there are some tricks of the trade you can use to make the most of your time away. One of the best ways to avoid feeling stressed out while on the road is to plan ahead. In addition to making a checklist, you should also designate a point person to keep tabs on what’s going on back home. This can be as simple as having a family member or friend take care of the plants or pets.
The key is to find a reputable source. If you can’t find anyone willing to help, you can always seek out a mental health professional. He or she will be able to tell you which of the many tricks you should be using to stay calm on the road.
Although it’s not always possible, it’s always better to plan ahead. It’s not like you can plan for every contingency, but you can prepare for the most common ones. Some people get overwhelmed with their list of to-dos, but it’s important to keep it manageable.
Taking the time to prepare for your trip can mean the difference between having a relaxing and uplifting experience and one that leaves you with a headache. For some, travel anxiety can be crippling, especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory. While the best way to combat this is to have a healthy attitude and be a good travel companion, you can also rely on friends and family to help. Be sure to share your itinerary with everyone so that no one is left out.
It’s also a good idea to practice a few relaxation techniques before you leave for your vacation. Even something as small as a guided meditation can help you relax. Getting out and about and doing things you haven’t done before can help you unwind. Whether you’re taking a trip to the mountains or just traveling to work, a little preparation can go a long way. Having a list of must-see places can help you prioritize your itinerary.
List-making
The most important step in curing travel anxiety is acknowledging that you don’t have control over everything. To counter this, making a list is a must. This helps to offload the stress, especially if something goes wrong. You might also want to consider taking a friend along, as they will be there to support you in your quest for adventure.
Another step to take is to write down all the good things you can think of about the trip. These can include interesting things to do, interesting sights to see, or interesting people to meet. In this way, you can better plan your time and effort.
Finally, you’ll want to consider how to get from point A to point B. You might want to take the train or hire a cab, depending on where you’re headed. Either way, you’ll have to leave the house in order to make it. For example, if you’re going to be flying, it’s a good idea to have a plan of attack in case of delays. If you’re taking the road, make sure to pack a bag full of the essentials. Similarly, if you’re heading to the wilds, you may need to pack a tent and a cooler.
Travel is a fun activity, but it can be stressful and exhausting at times. To help minimize the stress, you should think about the small and large details before you leave the house. Some tips to keep in mind include: identifying your priorities, enlisting the assistance of friends and family, and keeping an open mind. Taking the time to make the effort to get there will help you enjoy the rest of your trip and return home refreshed and renewed.
While it’s true that the best way to cure travel anxiety is to just go, the small steps you take now will pay off in the long run. Having a friend or two along is always a plus, and seeing your loved ones will make the experience that much more special.
Talk to a mental health professional
If you are traveling and are experiencing anxiety, you may want to talk to a mental health professional before you leave. Anxiety can be a sign of a physical illness or other mental condition. There are many ways to manage the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, including medications and therapy.
You can also try a variety of techniques to ease your travel anxiety. For example, you might journal to figure out what triggers your feelings. It might also help to discuss your situation with friends or family.
You might also consider asking your doctor for prescription medication. Benzodiazepine medications can provide short-term relief from panic attacks. However, they are not always the best option. They can cause side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and increased heart rate.
Another option is online therapy. While it is not yet as common as in-person therapy, it can be as effective as traditional therapy. TalkSpace and BetterHelp are two online therapy portals that offer professional mental health services.
Talking to a mental health professional about your condition before you travel is a great way to prepare for a positive trip. Your provider can help you develop coping strategies and assess your overall fitness.
Regardless of your level of travel anxiety, you can still have fun. Identifying your triggers and trying different coping strategies can help you stay calm and grounded.
You might also find it helpful to schedule regular check-ins with your mental health provider. This way, you can discuss your anxieties and plan a route to reduce stress.
The CDC has a website that can help you find out the health risks associated with your destination. You can find information about vaccines, recommended medicines, and more.
Before you depart, ask your mental health professional to make arrangements for you to stay in contact with him or her. Leaving a home phone number can also be a good idea.
Mental health care is just as important as emergency care. You can learn more about mental health conditions and treatment options at the American Counseling Association.
Talking to a mental health provider is not only beneficial for your overall health, but it can also help you save time and money.
