Travelling with Anxiety

Hey guys, 

Another long time no see, I recently did my Interrail tips and I've actually gone twice now so I thought I would write a post about how I manage my anxiety while travelling. There are a few things I always need to have in place before I've even set off and when I'm away. 

Organisation: 

Personally for me I feel a lot calmer when everything is organised and I know the details about flight times, train times, map, hotel details and a bit about the country. I keep all of these in a word document before travelling and then usually print out the information to make an on the go folder. You can see some examples of my tables with my information on in my interrail post. By doing this you can make sure you are in control of your surroundings even in an unfamiliar place because you've done your research.

Medication: 

I am on anti-anxiety medication that I take everyday but when I know I am flying, because I have a huge fear of it, I go to the doctor and ask for stronger, one time use drugs. I use Diazepam and they work brilliantly for me but I know people have done well on Beta Blockers as well it just depends what works on you. 

Flying: 

When knowing I'm getting on a plane, in the months leading up to the flight I will do some positive thinking. This may sound like the simplest and silliest thing to say but it has a huge amount of power. The anxiety is already your perception of the situation so there is no reason that you can actively change that. I do have to say you need to be in the right place to do this, because of my on-going medication I am able to work on this. You have to change the language you use around the flight so I tried to always say I was excited not worried, and I would try and turn those negative feelings into my stomach into thinking they were excitement. 

Another thing to do on a flight is bring an activity. Usually something that you've not opened so it's new and fresh and you can't wait to open it. This could be a new book, colouring, or some new skincare products. I know people bring a full skin care routine to do on a plane which is a great idea because it can be drying on the skin. Just make sure you'll have that distraction with you, I like trying to film to turn it into to art rather fear. 

New culture:

If you're nervous about entering a new country with a new culture and language, just do some research. Learn a few bits about what's respectful in that country, for example you may need to cover up in certain places and you'll feel more comfortable knowing that going in. You can also learn a few bits of the language, just greetings and please and thank you's are good to show you are trying and giving respect to them. 

Comforts:

Don't be afraid to bring the things that comfort you. I am 21 and I bring my toy rabbit with me everywhere I travel because she is a source of comfort and when you have anxiety you need those things you know will help calm you. This could also be a music playlist that you need to listen to, or a certain type of food. Don't ever be afraid to do what you need to do in order to make yourself comfortable. 

It's okay not being okay (yes I know):

It is true, on holiday or travelling there is pressure to always have the best time and always happy but that's not always the case especially when dealing with mental health. Give yourself those days off, allow yourself to feel things just as hard as at home. If you need to stay in bed all day that's okay, you still made it there which is huge and you're in a new place it can be very overwhelming. 

I hope that was useful, let me know if you have any more tips for everyone!

Ruby xx