Anxiety is a fearful emotion engulfing you when your body reacts to a stressful stimulus.
It depicts fear, tension, and elevated blood pressure. If it begins to interfere with your daily life, the condition should be treated by a professional.
You can reach out to one right now at health2delivery.
Similarly, the stress of traveling to an unfamiliar place is known as travel anxiety which can also sometimes include the stress of planning that your trip requires (very stressful indeed).
Even if you have no history of anxiety, the simple anticipation of being outside your comfort zone can lead to feelings of anxiousness.
While travel anxiety is not a formally named mental illness, and it is considered normal to be nervous about visiting new places, the condition can take a turn for the worst.
It can prevent you from enjoying your excursions or, in some cases, from going on trips altogether.
The symptoms
While everyone experiences relatively different symptoms of anxiety, if yours is related to traveling, just the idea of it can lead you to experience:
- Rapid heart rate, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Restlessness and agitation
- Decreased concentration or trouble focusing
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
What causes travel anxiety?
A variety of experiences might lead to negative associations with traveling. These can involve having a panic attack in an unfamiliar place or merely hearing about unfortunate travel experiences, plane crashes or unfamiliar illnesses.
Some people can be triggered very quickly by these things.
Get to know what triggers you
Anxiety triggers are events or situations that cause you to become more anxious.
These triggers can be travel-related, such as organizing a trip or boarding a plane or other factors such as low blood sugar, increased intake of caffeine, or stress may also be involved.
Treatment, including psychotherapy, might help you recognize your triggers and assist you in working through them before traveling.
Plan for the ‘what-ifs.’
Pre-travel anxiety is frequently caused by the “what if” aspect of traveling. While no one can plan for every potential worst-case situation, many typical ones can be addressed:
What happens if I run out of cash? I could just reach out to a family member or a friend. I can carry a credit card in case of an emergency.
What if I were to be sick while on the trip? I could get travel health insurance prior to leaving or make sure my current insurance will cover me.
What if I am unable to communicate with the locals? I could just learn the basics of the language or hire a translator.
By planning ahead of time for situations like these, you’ll realize that most challenges have a solution, even while traveling.
Yes, you can still plan for things back home
For specific individuals, anxiety can be caused by the prospect of leaving one’s home.
However, just like planning for a vacation, planning ahead for being away from home will help alleviate that anxiety.
Get a house sitter or ask a trustworthy person to stay at your home to care for your things when you’re away. They can also help you stay updated on what is happening at your house, with your children, or pets.
Distractions are your best friend
What is your favourite anxiety-relieving activity? For some people, video games and movies provide a visual escape to help them unwind.
Others find solace in peaceful pastimes like reading and puzzles.
Try bringing your distraction with you for the trip. Occupying yourself with pleasurable activities might help keep negative thoughts at bay and provide you with something pleasant to focus on instead.
Relaxation techniques all the way!
Before you leave, learn relaxation techniques which you can perhaps practice while on your trip. According to research, mindful meditation can considerably lower anxiety levels.
Deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and grounding oneself should all calm you down and help you cope with stress.
Get your friends moving
Bring a travel companion if you are anxious about traveling alone. There are lots of partner or group activities to love if you wish to travel with somebody.
You can feel yourself being much more open and adventurous around anyone who makes you feel at ease. It might even help you make a few new friends by the end of the trip.
Think about the positives
Discovering different activities, cultures, and cuisines is a wonderful way to broaden your possibilities when you travel.
Before you leave, it may be useful to note all of the good experiences you hope to have when traveling. Keep this list with you while touring and return to it in stressful situations.
Bottomline
Even if you employ all these techniques to overcome your travel anxiety, it will be better if you consult with a therapist for your condition.
Professional help can aid you in getting to know yourself better, which will ultimately help you control your anxiety.