Do you experience travel anxiety? Here’s how to deal with it
Experiencing difficulty in sleeping and a constant sense of irritability are just a couple of indicators that travel anxiety may be affecting you. Discover effective strategies to overcome this condition.
Are you overwhelmed by the mere thought of embarking on a journey? As your trip approaches, do you feel unprepared? If so, you might be grappling with travel anxiety. Carolyn Rubenstein, a therapist, explains that “Vacation or travel anxiety refers to the feelings of stress or unease that some experience before or during a vacation. Coping with travel anxiety involves implementing strategies to manage and reduce your stress and anxiety levels.” Many individuals find themselves in a state of extreme overwhelm when faced with the prospect of traveling.
Keep an eye out for these telltale signs of travel anxiety:
Feeling Overwhelmed: The classic symptom of travel anxiety is an overwhelming sensation that arises from contemplating transportation, itinerary planning, accommodation and safety.
Insomnia: The overwhelming nature of travel anxiety often prevents us from falling asleep or resting. We continually envision scenarios in which things can go wrong. This tendency to overthink is also a result of travel anxiety.
Irritability: The pressure of organizing and preparing for a trip can lead to irritability towards our surroundings.
Obsessive Double-Checking: We find ourselves perpetually double-checking travel details, dates and other relevant information. Excessive research and seeking reassurance from others become constant habits.
Fortunately, travel anxiety can be effectively managed by employing a few strategies:
Plan Ahead: Avoid leaving everything until the last minute. Instead, take a gradual and steady approach to thoroughly understanding and researching your trip well in advance.
Seek Support: Open up to a family member or a supportive friend about your anxiety. They can provide valuable insights on how to better cope with it.
Establish Realistic Expectations: According to Carolyn Rubenstein, “Understand that not everything will go perfectly according to plan. Embrace that there will be unexpected challenges or deviations from your itinerary. Flexibility and adaptability can help you navigate such situations with less anxiety.”
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and alleviate travel anxiety, enabling you to embark on your journey with greater peace of mind.
