How to Deal with Travel Anxiety

Tap to Read ➤ Renuka Savant

The fact that vacationing is a pleasurable activity is anybody's guess. But to some, the traveling part of it may be like a nightmare straight out of hell. Here are a few handy tips to help you deal with travel anxiety.

Aren't we always longing for a vacation? Idyllic days, blissful sleepy nights, and a non-existent work life. Simply dreaming about a vacation like this can brighten a dreary day in office. However, there are several people out there who quiver at the very thought of leaving their cul-de-sac.

Anxiety brought upon by the prospect of travel is a disorder that plagues a sizable chunk of the population. The degrees of despair may vary, however, what remains common is the abhorrence for either the journey, or the idea of having a change of scenery. Whether for work or for pleasure, travel becomes a drudgery that needs to be avoided at all costs.

Travel anxiety as a disorder is something many choose to live with, just because it may be possible for them. However, avoiding it altogether is not something to be recommended. Instead, making attempts to get over this fear can give an unmatched sense of accomplishment to the individual, and raise his/her level of confidence.

Tips to Deal With Travel Anxiety

Read ahead for a few tips that may come to your aid the next time you set out on a journey. So, take a deep breath, let the calmness take over, and begin reading...

Stand up to your fears

If someone suffers from travel anxiety, they keep postponing travel plans with number of excuses. They can pretend to be ill, or even go underground, but remember that you are simply letting your fear overpower you and live rent-free in your mind forever.

So what can I do? Firstly, stop thinking of travel in a negative way. Stop delaying. Why build up a sky scraper of fears, when you can go where ever you want and be done with it?

Wrong. To begin with, you just have to picture the impending trip in your head. Imagine that you're packing, taking the transport, living away from home, and eventually coming back. Keep focusing on how important your trip is, and how you will benefit from it. Remove all negative associations with travel.

Identify what the big deal is about What is the scariest part? The wobbly aircraft? A rickety train ride? The germs in your hotel bed?

Identify your demons and take concrete efforts to slay them. Discuss your apprehensions with someone you trust - friends or family. Open up to someone who can give you a whole new perspective on things and make you realize, after a point, that your fears are unfounded.

But there's more to it than what appears... In some cases, a horrific experience may trigger travel anxiety. If you've experienced a near-fatal accident, or even a hijack, your fears are definitely justified. However, there is always professional help at hand.

Discuss your feelings with a counselor or a therapist, who will be able to guide you accordingly. Eventually, you may or may not decide to travel again, but this way, you would be sure of having allayed your fears.

...And make a big deal of travel Yes! Involve your family and friends in your travel plans. Discuss everything - from luggage size to flight bookings, to everything possible.

This way, you'll find it easy to come to terms with the fact that traveling is not a hideous, green monster that you imagine it to be.

And you know what would make it better? If you could find someone who's gone through the same, and has emerged triumphant. While talking to people you know will be helpful, you may sometimes feel that they don't really understand what's going on with you.

So, you may look up for self-help groups that will let you interact with those who've gone through this phase, and have managed to overcome their fears.

Finally, make some real plans Somehow, you have to get used to the idea of traveling. So get your trusted aide and get out of your home for real. Maybe spend a day at the beach in the town close by? Or perhaps a weekend? Start small and basic, to get in the groove.

What if it worsens my symptoms? Hmm, that's a possibility. But how will you know unless you actually travel? What if you begin to warm up to it? Even this is a possibility. To know for sure, you simply have to make it happen.

Tips to Ease Out Traveling Blues

● Before you begin your journey, ensure that you have everything covered, which you suspect may trigger an anxiety attack. It could be anything from locking the cupboards to shutting the windows - make sure that it's taken care of.

● Carry along something comforting on your journey; it has to be something that calms you. It could be a favorite blanket or a jacket, or even a scarf.

● Carry a book or some music or a movie that will let you focus your attention elsewhere.

● It is always recommended that you dress appropriately for your trip. Wear comfortable and loose clothing. ● Always, always breathe steadily. Take a deep breath to the count of three, hold it to the count of three, and slowly exhale to the count of three. Deep breathing will help relax your mind.

● If you suspect these methods would be inadequate, you may discuss this issue with your doctor, who can prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for you to carry along.