Taking time for yourself on this global journey

This article outlines tips for keeping the stress levels down for whenever you next get the chance to go globetrotting. Though, even if your upcoming travel plans have been curtailed at this time, many of these tips are also relevant in today’s uncertain climate. Discover ways to keep your anxiety levels in check and how to refocus your energies into your own well-being.

Travelling can get stressful at times with all the planning that comes with it, and more so now in the current global climate as we battle the coronavirus. Most of us won’t be travelling anywhere any time soon as we follow the guidelines for social distancing. Though, if you do have essential travel plans, how can you make things less stressful? Whatever your situation, it is important to take plenty of time for yourself.

Unplug from online

The world we live in can leave us with a constant desire to be attached to the online world, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It can actually be beneficial to turn off your phone and get in touch with your inner self. Getting off social media and distancing yourself from technology can help a wandering mind from feeling anxious and instead refocus that energy back to your own well-being.

To do this, find offline ways to stimulate your brain and feel a sense of self-enjoyment. Options like reading, writing and listening to music are great ways to get your mind off things and prevent any FOMO (fear of missing out) that might come from scrolling through a social media timeline.

Find time for meditation

Meditation is said to lower stress and reduce anxiety, both of which come along with travelling, especially during peak times. Luckily, meditation can be done anywhere, and there are a variety of apps that you can download to your phone to help guide you. This can help you reshift your focus from the daunting task of travelling to the calmness you’ll feel when you arrive at your destination.

Quick tip: To improve your meditation, be sure to use an eye mask or blanket to help keep you comfortable and focused.

Make a checklist

Whenever you get chance to hit the road again, there’s no doubt that it can take a toll on your mentality, between planning, packing and execution, If you’re looking to practice some self-care while doing so, follow our tips for a calm journey. One way to really limit the stress of travelling is to make a packing list. Determining what you need for your trip and where to pack is a great first step. Packing essentials in your carry-on such as a good read, electronics, chargers and toiletries, will allow you to travel with comfort and ease. The rest of your things should be properly packed in your checked luggage.

Quick tip: Remember to pack light when travelling because there is a high chance that you will be coming back with more things than you brought with you. Especially if you’re heading out to your dream location or a popular tourist destination, you surely are going to be buying souvenirs along the way. Keep future purchases in mind too and how you will be able to fit them in on the way home.

Plan ahead

Another way to limit the stress of travelling is to plan in advance. You should do this when it comes to your transportation to and from the airport. Knowing that you have a ride waiting for you upon arrival is great, as we know it can be stressful to get off your flight and have to call a taxi. Try to line up a ride before you arrive, this way you can get to and from the airport sooner. Travel agents are also great experts in this regard and can save you a lot of stress along the way.

Other ideas like downloading airline apps so you can check in ahead of time is a very smart idea in order to combat stress while travelling. Not only is it convenient, but it will also save you the time of waiting in those long lines that can sometimes keep you from catching your flight. In addition, using notepads to map out an itinerary can also help out with time management and making sure everything is precise. Being proactive instead of reactive is key.

Quick tip: Getting the proper amount of sleep before your trip is very important. Not only will it allow you to wake up on time for your flight, but it will also put you in a better mood at the airport and keep you healthy for the duration of your travels. You should include other habits like staying hydrated and taking vitamins into your pre-travel routine to ensure your health stays intact while travelling too!

Keep yourself feeling fresh

Everyone has been there – whether it be on a road trip or long-distance flight, you will inevitably feel unfresh. Sitting a while in combination with stress can make you want to freshen up in the restroom. Here are our favourite tips for both men and women.

For women:

If you’re looking for that refreshing face during long travels, start with washing your face or using face wipes to take off any dirt and grime that may have accumulated on your journey. Especially if travelling in high-volume places like airports or train stations it can be easy to get a dirty face just through air contact. If you’ve packed a travel makeup kit, this would be a great time to touch up any spots or add any moisturiser to your face to give your skin an uplift. Be sure to pack these in a convenient place so you can make use of them easily.

For men:

Similarly to the women, you’ll want to start with splashing some water on your face. Washing your face can help you wake up, as well as keep you more alert as you travel. Since men’s skin can dry out much quicker, especially while flying at high altitudes, packing face cream and beard oil can help keep your pores hydrated while on the go. Plus, for men who love their facial hair as much as travelling, make sure you’re packing a trust-worthy shaving kit that you can have on hand if you choose to touch up your beard before the next leg of your journey.

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With these tips in mind, you shouldn’t be afraid to slow down and incorporate quality alone-time for yourself. Especially in this particularly difficult time to travel, with such a focus on quarantining and social distancing, these tips are sure to help ease your mind and battle anxiousness if you do travel.

Getting off social media and distancing yourself from technology can help a wandering mind from feeling anxious and instead refocus that energy back to your own well-being