Are We There Yet? Tap For An Anxiety-Free Vacation

As the world opens up after the pandemic, and people set out on vacations with a vengeance, we list down ways to alleviate stress for those with travel anxiety.

“Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight!” — the phrase that greets us at the start of a trip might seem like a no-brainer assurance for most. But for some, it’s a call to step out of their comfort zone; a call to shut down the clamours of “What if my flight is delayed? Will the hotel be good enough? What if I misplace my documents or have my belongings stolen?” Welcome to the world of anxious travellers.

Hodophobia is the clinical term used to describe anxiety associated with travelling. Travel anxiety can include fear around the act of travelling, unfamiliar location visit, uncertain situations, challenges associated with travelling, mode of travelling, etc.

Some signs of travel anxiety may include heaviness in the chest, headache, irritability, restlessness, constipation, sweating, sleep issues, and racing heartbeat when thinking about travel.

While one can seek help from mental health professionals for long-term results, technology can also be your pal to overcome anxiety before and during your trip, ensuring you make memories only of the good kind.

Tips to deal with travel anxiety

Do your research

To ease your fear of the unknown, seek out reliable, scientific sources that can help you make decisions regarding travel, like the CDC, the World Health Organization, and your local health department.

Take deep breaths

Simply remember to take deep belly breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed by any situation. Deeply inhale through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth.

Practise affirmations

Affirmations are three to seven-word-long soothing statements to say to oneself in order to boost confidence. ‘Aal Izz well’ is one cool statement that most people must have heard. Other than that, ‘I am safe’, ‘I can do this’, etc. can also be used.

Yoga on the go

Long flights and car/bus rides can cause stiffness and soreness. Stretches and poses for stress relief include neck rolls to the left and right, shoulder rotations, spinal stretches and seated marjariasana/cat pose.

Mindful mornings

Set aside at least ten minutes each morning to sit in silence. Simply close your eyes and bring your attention to the present moment. Beginning the day in this manner will assist you in calming your thoughts, and preparing you to go through the day in a balanced state of mind.

Keep emergency contacts handy

Your emergency contact could simply be a friend or a local you know. You can also keep contacts of local helplines saved in a small notebook, besides your gadgets, so that you don’t have to worry in case your phone or tablet runs out of battery

 

Also Read: Going Solo: Behold The Lone Women Travellers

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