The Most Effective Way to Deal with Pre-Travel Anxiety Stressless Art
Pre travel anxiety has become an increasingly recognized common problem in many individuals, not just neurodovergent people. Millions of people around the world suffering from traveling with an anxiety disorder. A recent study by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) showed that more than 40 million Americans suffer from some form of anxiety disorder, with 20 million specifically suffering from travel and pre travel anxiety. Those traveling with anxiety disorder often experience symptoms such as increased heart rate, panic attacks, nausea or feelings of dread when preparing to travel to unfamiliar destinations or engaging in travel activities they deem unsafe.
Fortunately, there are ways to help. Those of us with travel anxiety can manage our fears and institute several methods to make for a more pleasant traveling experience. Planning ahead is one way to help reduce stress levels associated with travel; researching the destination and its culture is absolutely necessary. Additionally, researching the region and its attractions can help travelers narrow down potential activities that may be enjoyed without too much stress or anxiety.
Travelers with anxiety disorder might also benefit from investing in a travel anxiety reduction kit, which can contain items such as essential oils, calming stones or magnets, or other objects to help reduce feelings of fear or panic during travel. Other strategies to reduce travel anxiety could include utilizing apps like meditation trackers, exercise programs or relaxation supplements, as well as taking comfort breaks throughout the day.
In this article, we visit some basic techniques and items that can help you deal.
Traveling with Mindfulness
The use of mindfulness and grounding practices, such as those found at SierraVille Hot Springs, can be beneficial for managing anxiety. Catastrophic thinking can often lead to a downward spiral, as Sgro suggests. ‘Grounding helps to keep us in the present while also calming our physiological reactions to anxiety and reducing our body’s stress response,’ she explains. When experiencing pre-travel anxiety, it is essential to practice self-care and be gentle with ourselves as we manage our symptoms and navigate any anxious feelings we may experience. Visiting a serene destination like SierraVille Hot Springs can contribute to an anxiety-free experience.
“If you have ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, PTSD, or anxiety disorders, try to reduce your body’s sensitivity to certain stimuli,” Schafer explains. “For example, try wearing comfortable clothing, such as fabrics that are soft and loose, or loose waistbands or sneakers that are made for comfort.”
- Mediate: Prior to each day’s activities, it is recommended to meditate, set positive intentions for the journey.
- Take a shower or bath after a long day
- Take deep breaths when feeling stressed
- Eat a favorite snack or comfort food
- Drink a cup of tea or coffee
- Don’t be afraid to skip certain activities to focus on rest
- Distract oneself by listening to Music
- Spend more time in one’s hotel room
- Take anti-anxiety medications (if prescribed)
Dr. Schafer states that it is important to listen to one’s body and the discomfort it is experiencing, and to provide the necessary care and attention to find what can help alleviate the anxiety in this unfamiliar environment.
Identifying the Source
“It is essential to recognize the source of one’s anxiety in order to be able to manage it” says California-based clinical psychotherapist Julie Simone Fogelson. Additionally, Fogelson believes that naming one’s anxiety can help to make it more manageable and manageable.
Ask yourself specifically what is causing the pre travel anxiety. This could be anything:
- Flying in an aircraft
- Being away from family
- Friends or pets
- Missing work
- Breaking away from routine
- Feeling fear of the unknown
To identify one’s unique triggers, Fogelson suggests journaling or talking to trusted friends or therapists.
Dr. Laura Sgro, a clinical psychotherapist in Los Angeles who practices in the city, recommends reflecting on when one has felt anxious on a previous trip and how one can manage anxious thoughts and feelings when they arise again.
Preparation is Key
Schafer suggests that travelers should plan their trips in advance in order to reduce the likelihood of any unexpected issues arising during the journey.
“Although it is not possible to anticipate every eventuality, it is beneficial to feel prepared before leaving” according to Sgro.
To do this, travelers should consider booking hotels, reserving a rental car, organizing daily activities, hiring caretakers at home, scheduling transportation to airports, and having a plan in place for lost documents.
Additionally, it is recommended to bring items of comfort, such as essential oils and blankets and pillows.
Focus on the Positive
When dealing with anxiety, it can be difficult to focus on the negative aspects of the situation. However, Sgro recommends that individuals focus on the aspects of their trip that they are most looking forward to, as this can help to reduce the amount of anxious thoughts they may be having.
She also emphasizes that it is important to remember that anxiety does not necessarily mean that the trip will be a negative experience, and that individuals can still have a positive experience by acknowledging their feelings and using various tools to manage them.
We’ve covered several products to help you deal in our article on Creating an Anxiety Reduction Kit. Here are a few more that Voyage Through has tested lately and happy with.
High Purity Oil Blends: 100% pure derivatives from plant sources, non-GMO natural essential oil without any chemicals additives. The odors are comfortable not overpowering.
REALX BLEND: Fresh and sweet scent, the refreshing breath of peppermint is carried through all the time. Refresh your brain, good for stress and eliminating fatigue. Increase the elasticity of the skin.
BALANCE BLEND: The top note is distinctly fresh and citrus scent. As the citrus evaporates, a light lavender scent emerges. Help you deal with difficult emotions.
GOODNIGHT BLEND: Soft lavender herbaceous scent with balsamic woody undertone and the freshness of the lemon. Good for deep relaxation.
Mindsight ‘Breathing Buddha’ Guided Visual Meditation Tool for Mindfulness is an exceptional product designed to aid users in achieving a state of calmness, clarity and relaxation through the practice of mindfulness meditation. this little guy provides guided visualization tool that is perfect for both beginners and experienced meditators.
Its unique guided visualizations help users to focus on their breath and achieve a state of calmness and relaxation.
It may seem silly but the product has received positive reviews on Amazon, with many users praising its effectiveness, ease of use and portability.
The Breathing Necklace is the perfect tool for slowing down your breath and reducing stress on the go. This necklace features a pendant that doubles as a breathing aid, with each inhale and exhale guided by the movement of the pendant.
The necklace is discreet, comfortable and can be used anytime, anywhere to help you stay calm and centered during moments of stress and anxiety. It’s an excellent investment for anyone looking for a simple and effective way to manage their stress levels while traveling.
