Tips on How to Get Through Summer Travel from an anxiety therapist
When the days become longer and warmer, we all look forward to taking time off of school or work for a vacation. Especially this year!
However, vacations often cause stress, communication difficulties, and anxiety. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t plan that time away. There are some ways to help mitigate the difficulties that come with travel and get the most out of your time away.
Manage Your Travel Expectations to reduce anxiety
We all can be prone to creating a blueprint in our minds for how we want experiences to go. This is especially true for experiences, like travel, that we can look forward to months in advance. These expectations, especially when they are inflexible, can create a lot of stress when it comes to travel. There are a few ways holding tightly onto our expectations can get in the way of having an enjoyable experience.
Transportation Issues
If the expectation was that you were going to arrive at your destination without any delays or issues, then issues with transportation can create a lot of stress. Leave room in your expectations for the inevitable delay, missed turn, or construction traffic.
planned activities
When traveling there may be a list of things that you want to do or see, and the individuals traveling with you might also have their own list. Make room in your expectations for the possibility that you may not always enjoy the interests of your fellow travelers and that closures, weather, or sold-out tickets may get in the way of you doing all of the activities you had hoped for.
Traveling with others
It can be difficult, and rewarding, to travel with others. Leave some room for flexibility in your expectations of how your travel companions will act and communicate. Be willing to let their experience of the trip be separate from your own. For example, someone might want to stay back and watch TV while the rest of the group goes on a hike. Remember, that’s okay.
Weather
Although we have lots of information at our disposal to plan for the weather, the cold, rain, heat, or snow can surprise us. Have backup activities planned if possible, for days when outdoor activities may not be possible. And be open to this being an enjoyable experience, even if it wasn’t what you had originally planned.
a therapist’s tips for Communicating Effectively
Frustrations can run high while traveling. It can be helpful if you gather with the individuals you will be traveling with and discuss expectations, things you would like to see, and where you would like to eat.
How to Handle Frustration
If you become frustrated with another person in your group, it can be helpful to pause before reacting. Take a step back, assess the situation, and then proceed mindfully.
For example, if everyone arrives late it may be your gut reaction to yell at the person that took longer to get ready. But after assessing the situation you may come to realize that while you are frustrated, yelling at someone you are traveling with will only hinder you and others in your group from enjoying the rest of the evening.
If there is an activity that you do not want to participate in or a restaurant you aren’t interested in, communicate that by using “I” statements. For instance you might say, “I’m not in the mood for pizza tonight, I think that I’ll eat at this restaurant instead.” Try to avoid using “You” language such as “You always want pizza and it’s disgusting, why can’t you eat where I want.” This can sound accusatory and increase tension.
learn how to “Go with the Flow”
Most importantly, having a “go with the flow” or “ride the wave” attitude towards travel will allow you to enjoy yourself even when things don’t go according to plan. Inevitably, transportation might be an issue, or the weather might change. But if you allow yourself to flex and shift when things that are out of your control change, then it leaves more room for enjoyment.
You are only in control of yourself, and how you respond. Responding with flexibility and acceptance towards the constant change that is inherent in travel can be very impactful on your entire experience. This can create “funny” stories or anecdotes you tell people later. Rather than a situation that creates so much stress and anxiety that your entire day or even trip is impacted.
manage travel anxiety WITH An anxiety THERAPIST IN TAMPA, FL or broomfield, CO
If you struggle with travel anxiety, you may want to work an anxiety therapist. An anxiety therapist can help you work through your feelings and learn how to effectively manage your anxiety and cope with anxious thoughts. Anxiety therapy can give you the skills to manage anxiety not only when traveling, but in other areas of your life as well. At WellMinded Counseling, we offer anxiety therapy in Tampa, FL and in Broomfield, CO. We can also work with people throughout Florida and Colorado through online counseling.
If you are interested in getting set up with a therapist at WellMinded Counseling, you can follow these simple steps:
Contact our counseling office to schedule a free 15 minute consultation
Get set up with one of our therapists
Learn how to manage your anxiety so you can have a better travel experience
OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING CENTER
At our counseling centers, we see clients of all ages. And our therapists can address a wide variety of mental health concerns. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services: