Strategies for Managing Anxiety While Traveling
Traveling to a new destination is definitely exciting! There is so much to experience, from new food to unique daily activities. Along with the excitement can also come some anxiety as a result of being somewhere entirely unknown.
Even if you only think about the fun, it can be tough to shake the fears about the trip not going as you hoped. It is important to find ways to keep those worries at bay. If you are the anxious type when it comes to traveling, consider using some of these great strategies for managing the worries you might have along the way.
Create an Itinerary
So much goes into planning a trip, from booking transportation to finding the perfect place to stay. There are also so many activities to get done in a short time you might have at your destination!
Having a plan before takeoff can reduce the stress that comes with not knowing what to do. Plan the activities that you want to do each day, including a few restaurant options and ideas for indoor and outdoor fun.
Keeping track of your plans will help you remember everything you want to do and will allow you to find the time to do it all!
Use CBD Before and During the Trip
A great tool that many people use to reduce their daily anxieties is CBD. CBD, a natural extract from the cannabis plant, is commonly known for its stress-reducing properties. Don’t worry, CBD might come from the same plant as marijuana, but it does not contain any of the THC that creates the hallucinogenic effect that marijuana does.
There are many ways to take CBD so it will depend on your personal preference for how you choose to use it. According to CBD Kyro, CBD tinctures are a popular delivery method that has a fast-acting result. Tinctures tend to taste great, allowing users to drop them under their tongue for fast results. They can also be dropped into baked goods or other snacks, or rubbed directly onto the skin.
CBD can help you calm down before traveling and help you stay relaxed as the trip goes on. Before going, test out what dosage works best for you. Not sure where to start? Check out this review article from CoolThingChicago on the best cbd oils on the market today.
Be Sure to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is the body’s way to rest and recharge before a new day, and it can be tough to rest well in a strange environment. Many travelers experience poor sleep habits while they are somewhere new.
Not only is getting enough sleep important the night before traveling but during the trip, you should make a strong effort to sleep how you would at home.
Bring along earplugs in case the hotel is noisy and an eye mask to keep out the light. These are also great to have on hand during long flights. Disconnecting from tablets and phones before bed can also help you sleep more soundly. The light on your devices could keep you up longer.
Staying well-rested is important for the perfect trip. Squeeze in those naps when you can for the ultimate relaxation during travel.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
It might not seem important to plan ahead for travel, but it is definitely smart to make any bookings you need ahead of time. In addition to booking a flight and a place to stay, you might also need a method of transportation for when you get there! Make sure to look into renting a car or learning the bus routes in advance.
You should consider making reservations for meals ahead of time, especially for the most popular restaurants! Schedule tours and sight-seeing trips early too to ensure you can do everything you wish.
A week before the trip you should definitely begin the process of packing. Starting early will give you time to think of everything that you will need so you do not forget any necessities. Procrastinating just won’t fly when it comes to planning a successful, low-stress trip. Make sure everything is prepared before your arrival to alleviate the anxiety of the unknown factors.
Give Yourself Time
Being in a hurry makes everything more stressful. If you are known to be a straggler, think about changing that habit before your trip to reduce the anxiety you feel. Work on being early for all of your travel plans, especially heading to the airport! Airports are always stressful because of all the hustle and bustle going on.
Make sure to be early for your flights to make sure you don’t have to run or worry that you won’t make it. You also don’t want to book any activities too close to after you are supposed to land. Flights get delayed, so definitely plan accordingly.
To keep from getting bored, bring plenty of activities to pass the time in case you have to wait around. Keeping the mind busy is important to do instead of worrying about how long you will be waiting there.
Plan Ahead for Rainy Days
Unfortunately, nobody can control the weather. While it might put a damper on days by the beach or pool, there is still so much fun you can have indoors in a new destination!
There is no need to worry when there is rain in the forecast. Check out local shops, attend unique theaters or shows, or visit a local museum! When you are planning activities before you go, try to find some good ideas for indoor fun. Some locations have indoor amusements and waterparks, so definitely do some research!
The sun is sure to shine at some point, so there is no need to worry about a little rain. Instead of staying cooped up in a hotel room and worrying that the trip was a waste, get creative to have the most fun. Traveling should be full of excitement, so don’t let the little things get you down! Make plans for an awesome trip to reduce your anxieties when it begins.
Featured image courtesy of Pixabay
