The holidays are just around the corner, and you may be making travel plans. In one of the busiest times of the year, traveling can be stressful due to unexpected flight delays, COVID-19 infections, and other disruptions.
Nina Vasan, chief medical officer of mental health platform Real, says it’s normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed during your trip. The following tips can help make holiday travel less stressful this year, whether you are traveling home or taking a vacation.
Plan Ahead
Making a plan ahead of time can help you avoid unforeseen changes to your itinerary. Having a crisis plan can reduce your anxiety if your itinerary is disrupted.
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Balance Your Itinerary
It’s not necessary to have a full travel itinerary or to be productive all the time. Keep your mental health in mind by spending time with others and caring for yourself.
Practice Mindfulness
Anxiety has been associated with mindfulness, the ability to be present at the moment. You can release stress and promote calm by taking a few deep breaths. Meditation, breathing exercises, journaling, and guided meditation are all ways to practice mindfulness.
Entertain Yourself
There is a possibility that you will spend more time waiting than planned during your journey due to delays. Boost your mood by doing something entertaining.
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Stay Hydrated
Drinking water throughout the day can be easy to forget, especially in the colder months. This holiday season, drink plenty of water.
Engage In Positive Self-Talk
You may feel overwhelmed by unanticipated changes during your travel journey, but remember they are beyond your control.