There is something about airports that immediately makes me nervous. Maybe it’s the pressure of following a million TSA rules when going through security and worrying that I’ve accidentally hidden some unknown contraband in my bag. Or the stress of making sure I get to my flight on time and not forgetting something that I so vitally needed. Or how about the idea of planes flying through the air thousands of feet above the ground? Actually, I think my travel anxiety has to do with all of the above.
No matter how many times you fly, that anxious energy always shows up at some point on or before takeoff. But over the years, I’ve put together a few tricks that I keep in mind to help me feel calmer and more relaxed as I fly to my destination. Of course, seeking help from a mental health professional is often the best way to deal with travel anxiety, but here are the tricks that have worked for me for a calmer travel experience.
Create A Detailed Packing List
A lot of what stresses me out about traveling has to do with worrying about forgetting something. To help alleviate some of that anxiety, I like to create a comprehensive packing list of everything I need at various stages of the trip (including travel documents, clothing, toiletries, electronics, etc.). As I pack, I check the item off the list so I know it will be there when I need it. That way, when I panic about packing my laptop charger, I can simply refer to the list.
Reserve Your Seat Strategically
Especially when traveling by plane, where you sit can have a big impact on travel anxiety. Personally, I feel calmer when I’m in a window seat because I can see what’s going on outside the plane. Others may prefer a seat at the front of the plane or along the aisle to avoid feeling boxed in. Think about what would make you feel most comfortable and reserve your seat accordingly.
Move Your Body Before Your Flight
We all know that exercise = endorphins, so it’s no surprise that moving your body can help reduce travel anxiety. Before your flight, try an exercise that gets your heart rate up and helps your muscles feel relaxed. Don’t have time to exercise before going to the airport? I like to walk around the terminal a bit to help work off some of that nervous energy before my flight.
