LIVING Boundlessly: Traveling despite Anxiety

As you all know, I am traveling’s number 1 fan, if it had one. However, did you know that I wouldn’t step foot on an airplane for years after a particularly turbulent flight to New York? For years, I stopped traveling overseas! One time, I took a transatlantic cruise so I could experience Europe again, with only one flight in the itinerary. My bucket list kept growing and yet the fear of flying paralyzed me from actually enjoying the privilege it is to see the World. Travelling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but for those who struggle with anxiety, it can also be a source of stress and worry. I remember the first flight to Europe I had after I became afraid of flying. It was marked with increasing Panic attacks, the closer the date approached to leave. I started to feel the panic when I purchased the ticket and later, I would wake up in a cold sweat, thinking I would surely die. I almost canceled the trip!!! I kept telling myself “Soraya, you’re a therapist. You have to conquer your fears”. I got on the plane and I held on for dear life the entire 9 hours it took to get to Italy. I tell you, the reader, the story so you know I get it! I can empathize with how REAL panic is. I can also tell you that we make our World as vast or as small as we allow our thoughts to make it. Believe me, with a little bit of planning and preparation, it is possible to reduce anxiety and make the most out of your trip. Here are some travel tips for the anxious:

1. Understand your fears are mostly irrational thinking: If you research safety measures and statistics for flying, you will come to realize that you are safer traveling on a plane than in a car or train.

2. Plan ahead: One of the best ways to reduce anxiety while traveling is to plan ahead. This includes booking your tickets and accommodations in advance, creating a detailed itinerary, and researching your destination. Allow yourself to get EXCITED about the places you will see and the people you will meet. Knowing what to expect can help reduce uncertainty and alleviate anxiety. Imagining the best outcomes will also help stop your worries and irrational beliefs from taking over.

3. Bring comfort items: Packing items that bring you comfort can be a great way to reduce anxiety while travelling. This could include a favorite book or music playlist, a cozy sweater, or a stress ball.

4. Practice relaxation techniques: There are many relaxation techniques that can help reduce anxiety while travelling. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all great options. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and relax each muscle group in your body. All the while, affirm you are safe. A trick I use is I imagine I am in a car driving on a bumpy road. I mean, turbulence is really just a bumpy road in the sky!

5. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety, so it's important to prioritize getting enough rest while travelling. Make sure to stick to a regular sleep schedule and bring any necessary sleep aids, like earplugs or an eye mask and blanket.

6. Stay connected: Staying connected with loved ones back home can help reduce anxiety while travelling. Make sure to bring your phone or laptop and keep in touch with family and friends through phone calls, texts, or video chats. Most importantly, stay connected to your source and senses….always expect that you are safe and that the universe, God, source is always conspiring to see you happy. If you’re not particularly spiritual, then stay connected to your family and friends and whatever you BELIEVE in.

7. Seek professional help: If your anxiety is severe or interfering with your ability to enjoy your trip, consider seeking professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide coping strategies and support to help you manage your anxiety while travelling.

8. KNOW YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT FOR!!!

Remember, it's okay to feel anxious while travelling. By taking these steps to reduce anxiety, you can still have a fulfilling and enjoyable trip. My wish for you all is that you LIVE boundlessly. After all, this life is only one and we have no idea how long we have so DO! DO all of those things that you wish you could because you CAN!