If you are like many people traveling is stressful. We are out of our comfort zone. There is uncertainty and often we are on a tight time schedule. Is my bag too heavy? Will I have a smooth check in? Is my plane delayed or cancelled? Is weather a factor?
Does air travel add another layer of stress to your day? It does for me. I don’t enjoy flying but I love the time it saves. What can you do to relieve some of this stress?
If you are lucky enough to visit an airport that has a yoga room, step inside this room to relax, meditate and stretch. In this quiet and private space, as you stretch and focus, you will begin to relax. Larger airports are adding yoga rooms to offer a quiet break in their busy airports.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares an infographic that highlights travel advisories, vaccine and medication recommendations and tips for traveling while pregnant or with young children.
Additional tips that may help reduce your stress levels:
- Manage your time – if you are a frequent traveler, use a packing list.
- Get to the airport ahead of time. Allow time to park, unload, take the shuttle and check in. Add a little extra time for unexpected delays.
- Remember your passport or picture ID. Have it readily available.
- Weigh your luggage before leaving home. Have you seen people pulling clothing or items out of their suitcase so that it isn’t over the weight limit?
- Practice traveling light- only take what you will wear and use. Less is more. If you have a washer and dryer available, pack even less.
- Pack a book, device or something to keep you occupied while waiting for your flight.
- Move more. While waiting for your flight, take a walk. Stand, walk or stretch which will help you pass the time in an active way.
- Enjoy a healthy snack. Pack a protein snack such as nuts or a piece of fruit or veggies to enjoy while waiting. Being prepared with a healthy snack option will help you so you are not tempted by high calorie snacks and foods.
Want to relax while waiting? Listen to this guided relaxation meditation which guides you through a relaxing body scan.
Use these tips and suggestions to help you fight stress in your everyday life as well as during times you travel.
