How to deal with anxiety

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August 29, 2016 7:52 PM

It is normal to be nervous when travelling to an unknown destination, but anxiety can be much more worse, often needing medical treatment.

Anxious woman

Anxiety may make it difficult, or even impossible to travel the world unless you get help and keep it in check.

Travelling may even be dangerous for you, as you may not be able to take safety precautions, especially if you suffer from severe panic attacks.

ALSO READ: 5 things you must NEVER travel without

Here are three simple ways to deal with anxiety when travelling:

1 Identify triggers:

It is important to understand what triggers your anxiety. At what times are you most anxious; in the mornings or in the evenings?

You need to spend time to document what sets off your anxiety and the find ways to mitigate them. That way, you can avoid episodes of severe anxiety by avoiding the triggers.

2. Develop and maintain a calming routine:

Develop rituals to calm yourself. Maintain a routine that can be easily done almost anywhere. Before, during and on your trip, practise these rituals. Train your body to resort to these routines in response to stress instead of panicking.

3. Plan your arrival:

The first few hours of arrival at a new destination are the most difficult. You may have pent-up anxiety from your the plane ride and jet lag, as well as the fright of being in a new, strange place.

Thus, plan your arrival ahead. Be equipped with a map, address and phone numbers printed of where you’re staying.

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