Travel anxiety is something that many people experience before a normal trip but with vaccinations on the rise and travel looking to resume some sense of normalcy within the next few years, it's easy to understand why travel-related anxiety would be on the rise, too. It's something that many people might not think they're prone to until they book a trip or find themselves experiencing symptoms of anxiety leading up to the day they leave, but there's good news, too: traveling anxiety doesn't need to be crippling, and it doesn't need to define how you explore the world.

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Normally, readers are on the opposite end of writing. Being a read means to read, process, and think about information obtained, whereas writing requires research and diligence in wording and meaning. In some cases, though, the roles can be swapped and the reader can benefit from their own writing. It's been proven that taking the time to journal, whether it be bullet journaling or simply writing down thoughts and fears, allows the mind to process and let go of things easier than holding them in. If you're experiencing any kind of stress or fear related to travel and what it will look like, be gentle with yourself and try these before getting frustrated.

Bullet Journaling

Bullet journaling is a fun and creative take on traditional journaling. Not only does it allow the writer to take advantage of a freeform method of writing, but it combines things such as art and abstract to make it so much more than writing.

bullet journaling
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Journals are made specifically for this purpose but one fun thing you can do is get a blank journal, some colored pens, funky stickers, stamps, and whatever other creative mediums you think would serve your creative spirit well. Jot down thoughts via bullet points, sentences, write down sentimental sayings, or even things that help you relax.

Write Down Your Thoughts

According to Dr. Pennebaker at Harvard Health, journaling can help a person overcome emotional inhibition. Keeping all of those thoughts and fears inside only allows them to grow and fester and, in a way, journaling is similar to purging them and giving them a way out.

a woman journaling outside
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Stream of consciousness journaling is the easiest and quickest way to get out whatever it is that's making you feel a certain way - by jotting down thoughts as they come, including what it is that's causing the anxiety whether it be planes, the pandemic, guidelines, or concerns, it's a release of sorts.

Bring A Notebook And Pen With You

Sometimes, it can be a challenge to write whatever is on your mind at the moment. At times, we feel anxiety for seemingly no reason and it can be tough to pinpoint exactly where that feeling comes from. It's not until we're at the airport, packing our bags, or even sitting in a hotel room that it occurs to us what the problem might be.

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In this instance, it's never a bad idea to bring a small notebook and a pen, or even a travel journal, to write down whatever it is that comes to mind. If nothing else, this is something to look back on later on as a reassurance that whatever it was - we made it through, and it's something that's not worth worrying about in the future.

Coloring Isn't Just for Kids

If writing really isn't your thing, coloring is an easy way to work through thoughts while connecting the mind and the body in doing something physical and mental.

coloring in a coloring book
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A pack of colored pencils or crayons and an interesting coloring book helps ease the mind with a distraction that doesn't take too much attention but allows us to semi-process things without fully focusing on our overwhelming thoughts. Try bringing a coloring book on a place, road trip, or with you on vacation for use during downtime, it'll help!

Workbooks Occupy The Mind

If writing and coloring are not up your alley, then finding a suitable workbook might just be the answer. Workbooks come in all shapes and sizes and we're not talking about grade school workbooks - we're talking about journals with prompts, self-help books with interactive pages, and anything that will stimulate your mind while still encouraging a good conversation with yourself. These are easy enough to bring on vacation and read through on any form of transportation whether it be the plane or a car. Any step is a good step when it comes to you and the pages you pour your heart into.

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