7 Tips for Traveling with Anxiety

There are plenty of reasons why traveling is good for mental health.

However, it’s easier said than done. As a rehab for mental illness treatment, we know that experiencing anxiety while traveling can be nerve-wracking, to say the least. That’s why we’re offering some of the best tips for traveling with anxiety that you or someone you know can utilize.

7 Tips for Traveling With Anxiety

Managing anxiety while traveling can be tricky. However, there are certain methods you can utilize while traveling to ensure that you have a safe and easy-going experience. While anxiety symptoms may not be entirely avoided, these tips can be beneficial and allow you to enjoy your trip.

Give Yourself Extra Time to Prepare for Travel

Anxiety while traveling is often provoked by feeling overwhelmed or rushing to get things done last minute. If you’re traveling on a plane, get to the airport at least two and a half to three hours before you’re boarding time to ensure that you can get through security without a problem. This also gives you extra time to check-in if any delays occur. Extra time can prevent anxiety and keep you calm and ready for travel.

Set Realistic Goals

Anxiety doesn’t just disappear from one day to the next, and it’s not always avoidable. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you are very likely to experience symptoms while traveling. Set realistic expectations when it comes to these symptoms. Keep in mind that this condition can be a little of a rollercoaster. If you can accept that you may experience symptoms of anxiety while traveling, then you will be better prepared to handle them.

Use Distractions

It’s easy to get caught up in focusing on your anxiety symptoms. A good way to avoid feeding into these symptoms is by keeping yourself distracted. Read a book, meditate, listen to music, watch a movie, flip through a magazine, draw, do anything fun and positive that can keep your mind on other things.

Plan for Different Scenarios

While last-minute plans can be fun, a person with an anxiety disorder should always have a plan for different scenarios when traveling. If you run out of money, be sure to bring a credit card or contact a friend or family member who can send some over. Certain phone applications make transferring money very easy. To avoid getting lost, be sure to always have a map or guidebook and your phone with you. Prepare for getting sick by purchasing travel health insurance and bringing any helpful medication that you can.

Remember to Take Your Medication

If you take medication for anxiety, you should not neglect to take it while traveling. If you don’t want to take it while on your trip, then you should speak to your doctor beforehand to ensure that this is safe. However, if you take medication for anxiety daily, then you should always take it with you on trips and even set alarms on your phone to ensure you don’t miss a dose. These medications are designed to mitigate symptoms, which can be beneficial while traveling.

Travel With A Buddy

If you don’t know how to travel with anxiety and don’t think you can do it on your own, then travel with a buddy or group of people. People often feel safer and more secure when they go on a trip with someone else or in a group. This can reduce the chances of an anxiety attack and allow you to enjoy your trip with a loved one.

Focus on the Positives and Document the Memories

Another way to distract yourself from anxiety symptoms is by focusing on the fun activities you have planned. Be sure to take a camera and even a journal to document your daily activities. Whether it’s a business trip or a vacation, don’t be afraid to have fun and enjoy yourself while you’re traveling.