Tackling Holiday Travel Anxiety

Hi loves,

Okay I am saying it… This is the first holiday post of the year. It’s crazy to think in a few weeks the holiday season begins. Most of us travel for the holidays. We are busy making sure we hit each home of our loved ones and to share special memories with them. If you’re like me, the thought of actually traveling brings anxiety. Prepping for our trip is more than enough stress. Yet there are people like myself that have this fear of flying.

My fear of flying came around the same time as all my other fears. After becoming a mother I have gained so many fears of things I that were once normal. One of them is the fear of flying. For years I’ve turned away so many vacations to amazing destinations, because they didn’t involve traveling with a vehicle. It sucked. Of course I wanted to venture out and see places I’ve never been. Enjoy life a bit, but this fear was controlling me.

Let me talked you through my first trip after this fear occurred. I was a hot mess from the moment I booked the trip and the days leading. I felt so overwhelmed it took over my daily to do. You can say I was the most miserable person on earth thats going on vacation. And what did I do? Kept it all to myself. I was embarrassed to admit this fear, because as silly as it was to me, it felt even more real. I didn’t care what I was packing and was looking forward to being home even though the trip had yet to take place. Fast forward to the morning of my trip I was sick to my stomach. Was trying to function on 2 hours of sleep and literally cried the entire time on the plane.

After the trip something had to give. I wasn’t going to allow this fear to have as much control of me as I was letting it.

As time went on, not only did I want to conquer this fear for myself, but for my kids. I didn’t want them to fear flying. Also I didn’t want them to live years with a certain fear, rather than finding ways to tackle it. Just like any other fear, these things take time and effort. Somethings work, while others don’t do enough. So, I put my big girl pants and decided to figure out ways to travel with less anxiety. These are tips I use every single time I travel that have worked wonders for me. I’m sure if you find yourself feeling the same it can help you overcome those fears as well.

Here are some of my tips to help traveling for the holidays anxiety free:

Seek Help

I appreciate living in the world today where mental awareness is everywhere. I appreciate that because as a person who deals with it, I feel more normal knowing I am not the only experiencing this. It’s hard to ask for help with fears you can’t control. The thought of sounding crazy to someone else isn’t easy to accept. But when you really need the extra help, please do ask for it! I wish I would have done this sooner. Visit your primary doctor or talk to a therapist that can help you overcome this fear.  Traveling somewhere to have fun, shouldn’t be something you dread!

Rock That Travel Outfit

I never use to do this. One, it gets crazy before going on a trip. You have to make sure you leave so much done to make up for the time you’re going to be away. And second, I felt so overwhelm with the anxiety of traveling that I just put whatever on. Not no more! I take time planning my travel outfit. I find dressing up normally makes me feel as if it was any other day. The process of planning my outfit seems comforting to me and distracts my mind a bit.

Comfort Scents

Is it just me or does the smell of an airplane makes your belly feel queasy? Essential oils are the perfect item to have on your carry on bag. Personally, I love Young Living Valor essential oil. It’s actually meant to help ease anxiety. But if I were to be honest, it smells like a spa. When traveling I put some on my wrist, behind my ears and on my scarf (which I always bring when traveling on an airplane). Sometimes a scent that is comforting brings you back to a grounded mind.

Bring Some Entertainment 

Sitting for hours on a plan waiting to land isn’t fun. Don’t forget to plan some type of entertainment whether its a magazine, a book, downloading a show I’m currently watching. I make sure any entertainment I pack, will be something that will ease my anxiety. I love watching crime shows (currently watching the Blacklist), but when traveling, mama sticks to hallmark channel!

Reset Your Mindset

The most changeling of them all! Why is it so easy to think negative, but so hard to be positive? Instead of letting your anxiety of traveling conquer your mind, switch your mindset to the positive aspect of your traveling. Maybe think of the time you’re going to spend with your love ones, places you’re going to explore. It can be something as simple as your plans while away. Simply changing your thoughts can make you feel ten times better. These thoughts involves being physically being present which can ease those negative fears.

How do you tackle holiday travel anxiety? Any tips?

Outfit Details

Vest: Bella V Boutique || Sweater: old – identical – similar – similar || Joggers: Zara – similar – similar – similar || Sneakers: Adidas – similar || Earrings: old – identical – similar – similar || Handbag: Target (sold out) – similar – obsesses with this one || Sunnies: Nordstrom