Holidays are amazing for so many reasons.
The opportunity to explore somewhere new, the opportunity to escape the winter and chase some warmer weather, the opportunity to relax and switch off, the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, the opportunity to meet new people, learn, enjoy. The list could go on. Going on a holiday is really exciting, and is a privilege.
Something people don’t really discuss though, is going on a holiday can also be anxiety provoking. There seems to be a barrier to people talking about this. Maybe it is because it may sound ungrateful, or because there is such an expectation to enjoy every second of a holiday, that if we feel bad if we’re not having the best time. We might ask ourselves “why am I feeling anxious when I am on holiday and supposed to be having fun?” and “am I not being grateful enough?”
Just because it’s not spoken about much, doesn’t mean something is wrong with you if you are resonating with this blog. In fact, it is more common than you think.
Traveling is inherently unsettling. It requires us to leave our comfort zone, to explore somewhere new, often for the first time. Visiting new places can take time to adjust to, particularly when you are unfamiliar with the language, culture, food etc. There are so many unknowns while traveling, and a lot of us can feel pressured to see all of the sights and do all of the activities in every place we visit. We are away from the comforts of home, and often as well we are away from our support network.
In the interest of all of the benefits of traveling, and that we don’t want anxiety to limit us from doing the things we want to do, here are a few suggestions to help manage anxiety while away on holiday:
1. Acceptance
First and foremost, it is okay to feel anxious while away! In addition to what I mentioned above, you may have your own particular challenges or triggers around traveling that also contribute to feelings of anxiety. Instead of questioning and criticizing yourself for feeling this way, I would encourage you to name how you are feeling and to practice accepting those feelings, as uncomfortable as they may be. The sooner you drop the struggle, the shorter the feelings will stick around.
2. Journaling
Traveling can at times feel overwhelming, and you may notice your mind getting really busy. It can be helpful to have a physical journal that you carry around with you to note down your thoughts in. There are so many benefits of journaling (if you are interested in reading more, check out my blog on journaling here https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/the-wellbeing-blog/three-benefits-of-journalling). In relation to traveling in particular, this practice will allow you to take the time to notice and acknowledge your thoughts, notice any common themes to your worries (maybe you notice that they are all worries about the future that are out of your control), so that you are able to come back to the present moment and move on with your day.
3. Deep breathing
I know, it sounds simple. But our body holds a lot of our anxiety, and the practice of engaging in slow, deep, belly breaths can really help slow things down and bring some calm to the body.
4. It’s okay to have a ‘nothing’ day
This may sound outrageous, but it’s okay to have days where you do nothing – no sight seeing, no exploring. It's okay to simply lie on a beach, or in a park, read a book, or watch some TV. Sure, you might not see absolutely everything you had hoped to, you might not get all the photo opportunities you were hoping for. But if you have honoured what you needed that day, you will end up having a far better time for it.
If you experience anxiety while traveling, or in general, and would like to talk to someone, give our team a call to arrange an appointment on (03) 9882-8874.