Nowadays, we live planning our future, whether organizing projects or vacations, study trips, work. But they do not always turn out as we expect, especially since the COVID spread started and many had to go back home or are waiting to leave the comfort zone again, with no certainty on when it will happen. All this can generate anxiety, stress, frustration and fatigue related to making decisions. That’s why I want to share a full week of actions that help deal with the travel anxiety that appears when we return home.
“Our minds go non-stop thinking just like it used to, but we are not feeding it the newness and curiosity”
Last year more than ever, our trips and travel habits changed, and everything we had in mind was disrupted, forcing us to wait longer than we thought and wanted. This also meant being forced to spend long periods of time confined, living daily with pressure and expectation, wondering when this situation will end.
Perhaps you have had to return from a trip, go back to your parents’ house, or maybe you are just at home wanting to get out of your comfort zone. Whatever the situation is, we are faced with the fear of uncertainty, constantly thinking about our future and making it difficult to live in the present, in the here and now.
We are used to moving around and travelling, and now our minds go non-stop thinking just like they used to, but we are not feeding it the newness and curiosity we used to. Imagine that in a day, we can have more than 60,000 thoughts. Wow! That’s so much.
So, the important thing here is to cut us some slack and to give ourselves a pause and observe: what is affecting me? Can I handle these emotions, or what can I do to help myself?
I’m no expert in these matters, but I can share from my experience what has helped me in this process. Believe me, I understand you perfectly. I’m going through something similar right now. I had to postpone an important work trip, so now I’m just enjoying the process here. Hopefully, some of these tools will help you as they have helped me.
“If you feel like crying, do it; If you want to laugh, laugh out loud”
It’s important to understand that we are human beings, and therefore it is normal to feel this way; it is perfect, accept your emotions. If you feel like crying, do it; If you want to laugh, laugh out loud. If you want to spend a whole day in your pyjamas watching movies, allow yourself to do so without guilt. And so, with every emotion you feel, you will see how incredible it’s to pamper ourselves and give ourselves that space of contention and love.
“Remember that whatever is going on in your head, some way or another reflects in your body”
There are days when you will feel tired, discouraged and even have physical pains. Remember that whatever is going on in your head, some way or another reflects in your body.
Our body always gives us signals, headaches, stomach aches or other expressions when something is bothering us; you may feel tension in your neck, watch your skin. Our body can express itself in so many ways; you have to listen to it and respect it.
Try to drink a lot of water and find some physical activity that you like. There are many options; the crucial thing is that we keep moving. I love to do yoga and meditate. It’s my way to lower anxiety, focus more on the present, observe myself and let myself flow through my body. You can check the previous issues of Live Lovers Magazine to find some exercises and a small meditation guide.
I already told you how many thoughts go through our mind every day, and for it, writing has helped me a lot. Take a pen and notebook and write down the first thing that crosses your mind. Let it flow, don’t try to write pretty or with perfect wording. Find your schedule; you can set a routine every morning or at night before going to sleep. This is a way to let go, express and release, it is a very healing tool. You’ll see how you feel more relieved after, and, over time, it will help you clarify any questions.
“I invite you to dare to be vulnerable”
I invite you to dare to be vulnerable, and I don’t say this as “lie down and give up” or play the victim. On the contrary! I invite you to be yourself more than ever and to also show it to the world proudly. There are so many people around going through the same thing you’re, you’ll be surprised how supporting friends can be.
If you think you need it, seeking help is a massive act of self-love and strength. Whatever resonates with you, it will be perfect. You can choose traditional medicine or other types of alternative therapy. Relying on people who are not part of our circle can be an excellent way to understand what is happening to us from a more objective perspective. I think it is essential we start to normalize it and seek help when we feel overwhelmed sometimes.
“You know you are not alone”
Take a deep breath, and you will see that there are many options for you. Conscious breathing practices, to start with, calms the heart rate and slows the breathing pace, lowering our cortisol levels (stress hormone), and therefore we feel calmer and more relaxed after. This also makes for a powerful tool when making decisions, to do it from a more conscious and realistic perspective, accepting our present.
Full week of habits to help travel anxiety
Here I give you a list of actions for 7 days that you can put into practice whenever you want and remember to be kind to yourself all the time, treat yourself with love and respect.
Day 1: Make a list of how you feel today and what you would like to work on. Choose 3 that you can do in the short term.
Day 2: Dedicate 10 minutes of your day to meditate and observe how you feel during your day.
Day 3: Disconnect from your phone, turn it off in the evening until the next day, enjoy your sleep!
Day 4: Find something entirely new to do that you have always wanted to try.
Day 5: Practice breathing exercises when you wake up, and before going to sleep, try to relax and connect with this moment.
Day 6: Give yourself 1 hour of an activity that you really enjoy doing. Today it’s our turn to pamper ourselves.
Day 7: Take a moment and write down your progress. How do you feel? Write it down and celebrate working on yourself. Congratulations!
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