Traveling With Anxiety Tips

Hey y'all! Today I wanted to talk about what I do for my anxiety when I'm traveling. This pertains to mainly car rides, not flying (that's a whole other topic).

First and most important thing I think is to pack enough meds for the trip PLUS extra in case something happens to them. And keep your meds in your purse or bag with you at all times. I just feel so much more relaxed knowing my meds are with me, no one is stealing them, and that if I need them I can take them right away. 

Now, for what to pack. Pack comfortable, cute clothes that make you feel good. If you look good and feel good, your mental state will be positive and you'll feel ready to take on the day. Bring one of those smaller, soft, fuzzy blankets you can get at Walmart to snuggle with in the car and at night, as well as your own pillow. This will help you feel more comfortable in a foreign environment.

The second most important thing is ACTIVITIES! Bring things to keep your mind busy! A busy mind is a happy mind! Bring books, load up your kindle with ebooks, shows, music. I bring along some pens and a pack of markers and my fave coloring books. As long as you stay occupied, your mind won't freak out. 

Next, make sure to pack snacks and beverages. Being hungry and having low blood sugar puts me into a terrible mental state, so as long as you have some yummy snacks and drinks, you'll be good to go :)

If you're on medication, especially anti-anxiety pills, take them BEFORE you start your car ride. Give them time to kick in and work. For instance, I took my morning anti-anxiety pill a few hours before hand and during the midpoint of the car ride, I took my afternoon pill. By staying on top of my med schedule, it kept me calm, cool, and collected. 

During your trip, listen to your mind and body. If you're feeling overwhelmed and need quiet, go back to the hotel room and take a nap. There's nothing wrong with that. It'll help to recharge and then you can head back out and do more activities. 

And remember, enjoy yourself! Indulge a bit, have fun, go shopping. It's nice to be out of your home environment for a bit, so enjoy it! Home will be waiting for you and everything will be fine :)

Hope this helps and happy traveling!

Alette