Many people suffer from anxiety. So first, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to separate panic and a feeling of being overwhelmed from the actual reality of a situation, myself included. Travelling or going away can feel stressful. Research, organising and planning and that’s before you even start packing or get to the airport!
Anxiety can feel like it is taking over your whole mind and body and can make you push something you like doing away because it all seems too much. I completely understand this. I can procrastinate about so many things or not even do them because the thought of it is way too overwhelming. However, breaking things down and taking on each part at a time can reduce this stress and bring back the excitement of travelling.
Writing things down can help. Write lists and ideas of what to pack, where to go, things to do, accommodation, plan out your journey etc.
Having said this
There is a lot of uncertainty with travelling. You will never know exactly how each day will pan out before you get there, what other people will be like or even what the weather will do. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thinng.
Some of my best experiences have come from being spontaneous. Getting a vibe of what places are like or what locals like to do whilst I’m there and then booking onto something in the moment. For example, on a recent holiday with my boyfriend, we found our best days consisted of having a game of beach volleyball with other people on holiday, having a walk along the beach, which turned into a swim in the sea and then finding somewhere nice to eat and have a drink, or two. This beat the activity of a buggy tour we had booked whilst we were still at home. Although we had fun, it felt like the tour was rushed and no interest was taken in the customers. Furthermore, taking a step back to relax and doing things at a slower pace is what made us enjoy it more. After all being able to relax and getting away from everyday stresses is what going on holiday is all about!
In short, plan your trip but don’t over plan. Having a plan or idea of what you want to do can be good, but don’t organise the whole trip in case something doesn’t go as plan or isn’t what you expected. Having an itinerary to follow can stress you out and might mean you miss out on lots of other experiences and prevent you from meeting new, fascinating people.
You also don’t have to always do what everyone else is doing and instead take time out to focus on you. When I go travelling, I always feel like I need to be part of the action otherwise I’m missing out (get FOMO), but this wears me out and means I’m more tired than others. It also causes more anxiety and can start to have a physical affect on me, like feeling sick or having a headache. Taking time out for yourself is not a bad thing. Take a seat on your own and read a book or listen to some music and take a breather.
An important thing to remember is that nothing is forever. You can try something and if you like it or not, at least you tried something new. As my Mum always says, home is only ever a plane or car ride away!
These are some things that can help reduce stress / anxiety whilst you’re away.
- Technology is an amazing thing! I don’t know how people coped before it, but my phone can be my lifesaver. These days you can access service or WIFI almost anywhere. There are a ton of websites that can help you out, whether it’s to find a campsite, find the best restaurant near you or finding your way somewhere with google maps. There is always something to help. So don’t panic, and think about what you can search to help calm the situation. I’m frequently searching the best rated bars and restaurants in the place I’m staying as I want to make sure I’m spending my money on something I’m going to enjoy. You can also ring home whenever you want. Being able to call a loved one, whilst you’re in a foreign land can make all the difference. It can make you feel less homesick and less alone, even if you’re many miles away.
- You’ll have good days and bad days. Things can go wrong, I’m not going to sugar-coat it; luggage can get lost, flights can be cancelled, your vehicle can break down, your tent can collapse in the middle of a storm etc. Unfortunately, this is life. You will never be able to prevent somethings from happening, they’re just series of unfortunate events. But you can take a step back, breath in and count to 10. Think how can this be fixed. Is the problem temporary or not? Can you speak to someone else to help fix the problem or can you sort it yourself? Think about the situation logically and take the problem step by step and things will get better. Then once it’s all sorted and blown over, you can laugh about it and it will always be a funny story you can tell people back home. You can also look back and think how awesome it is you overcame it.
- Leave your comfort zone! Try something new every day, whether it is new food or a new activity, the more you do this the easier it will become. In contrast, also do something that comforts you every day. Don’t overdo it and force yourself into lots of new or scary situations each day as this could overwhelm you and you could explode (not literally!). Congratulate yourself for trying something new, whether big or small and then set some time for something you know you like. This could be doing your skincare, reading a book, listening to your favourite music, eating comfort food, chatting to a loved one or watching Netflix. Anything you like! Bring home comforts like these with you and wherever you are will feel like less of a scary unknown place.
- Don’t compare yourself to others! Although social media has its perks, it is so bad for this. I am also a victim to comparing my life to others on Instagram etc, thinking that other people are doing life better than me. But the funny thing is, people could possibly be looking at my account and thinking the same thing. You never know what goes on behind closed doors or in this case, behind the post. Remember social media just shows highlights of people’s lives. I can post a picture at the top of a mountain, but you don’t see the behind the scenes of me getting blisters, sun burnt, my legs killing me and feeling exhausted once I got home. Do things at your own pace and don’t care what other people are doing.
- Confide in a friend. If you’re travelling with someone, speak to them about how you’re feeling and don’t bottle things up, they will understand. You can always adjust plans or do something different if you don’t feel happy about a situation. Even if you’re a solo traveller, I’m sure someone else travelling will be able to empathise with some anxieties of travelling.
Turn your anxieties into positives! Praise the fact you’re cautious and want things to go well for yourself and your travel partner. Just make sure to breathe, take in your surroundings and push yourself to see all these amazing new places! Travelling can be very therapeutic and beneficial for your mental health. It takes you away from work, the stresses of everyday life and makes you slow down. It makes you get out into nature; to do exercise out in the fresh air which is always good for you.
Lastly picture this, you’re sat on a sun lounger on the beach, feeling refreshed, sipping on a pina colada (or drink of your choice, doesn’t have to be alcoholic), you can hear waves crashing on the shore, the sun is warming up your body, you have nowhere to be and can sink into your lounger and watch the world go by. You’ve not felt so relaxed in a long time, doesn’t that sound good?
It\’s another comment box!