Traveling with Anxiety?
This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Anxiety is something I have struggled with for a few years now and I'm becoming more and more open about it. I will never forget my trip to Bali and the crippling anxiety attacks I was experiencing while there. I had just quit my job as a hostess at a restaurant and had nothing lined up which was scary. That was the beginning of a long journey filled with stress and fear. I am finally at a place now where it doesn't rule my life anymore but it took me a long time to get to this point.
Traveling with anxiety can be so hard. You're on a plane and 1,000 thoughts are running through your mind. "What if the plane crashes, what will I do?" "Oh my gosh, turbulence. We are all going to die." "Everyone else is asleep and chillin', why am I so scared?" or maybe you experience anxiety when you’re away and feeling homesick. Whatever it is you’re going through, I understand and feel for you. You’re not alone and I’m here to help this process be some what more bearable. Below you will find things that help ease my mind whenever I am anxious and overwhelmed while traveling (or in everyday life).
Tips to ease anxiety:
Breathing. When you are anxious this is literally the last thing on planet earth that you know how to do properly. Creating a breathing pattern/technique that works well for you is crucial. I like to breathe in slowly and deeply through my nose and count to 10, hold it in for 5 seconds, and then exhale out my mouth slowly for 5 seconds. I repeat this until my heart rate is slowed down.
Meditation. The hardest thing to get into the habit of doing but it’s proven to help your moods and overall brain pattern. I recommend creating a routine for yourself. Set 15 minutes aside everyday and just be still. It’ll do wonders for you.
Create a inflight playlist. I have some of my favorite songs and meditations downloaded and ready to go prior to the flight so should I need a little pick me up or an outlet to help my anxiety, this is my go to.
Breathe in lavender or eucalyptus essential oils. The scents have immense calming effects and can help bring you down from that high you’re on and center you.
Talk it out. Confide in someone who may understand your feelings and mind. If you don’t have anyone like that, write it out. Keeping your mind busy and focused sometimes helps distract you and get you back on path to your semi normal feelings.
Drink cold water. A paramedic actually gave me this tip during a panic attack once and it really did help. I thought I was having a heart attack and I called 911. It was scary but one of the tips he gave me was this.
Tame tense muscles. Some people carry tension in their jaw, back, shoulders etc. Focus on that area and tighten it really hard as much as you can and then let it go. Do this a few times. It weirdly helps remind your brain that the area is okay and you’re in control.
Talk to yourself kindly. Repeat mantras. “I am alive. I am okay. I will be fine.” “I am loved. I am enough. I am safe”. Whatever works for you. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
Pay attention to your triggers. Whenever you notice you’re anxious, write down what you were thinking and doing. This will help you find what it is that is triggering you to feel this way. Once you do discover, avoid doing said things.
No caffeine. You’re already experiencing a rapid heart beat and anxiety, we don’t need you to have anymore nervous symptoms that can come along with drinking caffeine. Stick to water.
The road to recovery from anxiety disorders is tough but tangible. You can do it. Trust the process. Don’t be afraid of your anxiety. Listen to it. Feel it. Recognize it. Then work on letting it go…
“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
Image Credit: Harvard