I’m really anxious to get this new adventure started.

That statement could mean that I can’t wait to get underway.  Everything is packed.  Let’s get going!!

Or it could mean that I’m getting a bit nervous about being away from the security of my home and my routine

For me, it actually means both.  I really want to get away for a week, maybe gain a new perspective outside this house and this town.  And I know I’m going to get a really big history fix, which I haven’t had in quite a while.  But I do get quite antsy before we leave.  I check and re-check all the lists.  I usually get quite snippy.  And I almost always walk out the door feeling like I’ve forgotten to do or take something.

So how do I effectively join the two emotions?

For me, the feelings don’t surface until the packing is completed.  The process is very distracting.  I make lists and I check things off.  This is a control I recognize and find a certain level of comfort in – the planning.  But in that time between the completion of packing and the leaving, the anxiety and nervousness kick in.  Can we really afford this trip?  Have we forgotten to do something important?  Did I pack all the right things?  Is our car safe enough for this long trip?

3 tricks I use to calm the anxiety of traveling.

1.  Travel with a companion

This is usually the hubby.  His anxious is “I can’t wait to get started!!”  He recognizes when I’m starting to freak out.  He is outgoing to my shy.  And to paraphrase Jerry Maquire, he completes me.

Hopefully,  you are lucky enough to have a friend or family member to travel with that calms you, sometimes just with their presence and sometimes with their words.

2.  Engage the planning gene

The process of making lists and checking things off helps me to curb the anxiety because it gives me control.  I would not be comfortable starting a trip if someone else packed my suitcase.  I need to know that I’ve planned and provided for as many possible scenarios as I can in order to feel safe.  By reminding myself that I am prepared, I can fend off those nagging little thoughts that can lead to an anxiety episode.

3.  Distract yourself

The key here is to not focus on your physical symptoms (rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, shakiness, nausea, etc.). I learned controlled breathing in Lamaze classes before the birth of my oldest son.  It can be used to slow your heart rate and breathing, which should, in turn, calm down the rest of your symptoms.  And by focusing your breath, you also take your mind off the situation.

You can also read a book, watch a movie, do a crossword.  (But definitely NOT if you are driving!!)  Or just have a nice conversation with your traveling companion about all the fun things you plan to do when you get there.

Other options for anxiety

If you can’t calm yourself down, verywellmind.com suggests this: “If you have panic and anxiety while traveling, try to surrender to your symptoms, reminding yourself that they will soon pass. Consistently conceding to your symptoms may reduce your fears around them and strengthen your sense of control.”  Just find a private place and have your melt-down.  When it passes, congratulate yourself on surviving!  Look at you — making progress!!

If you are one who can’t control your anxiety using these techniques, talk to your doctor about medication.  Your anxiety should not keep you chained to your house.

So …                               in hand,