JoannaSpeaks

As some of you may or may not know, I struggle from anxiety. As a 19-year-old girl, experiencing college and a full time job, it often makes me anxious to stray from work and school. Although anxiety acts as a roadblock between experiencing adventures, and me it also has taught me many things.

What anxiety prevents me from:

From things as big as moving, picking a school or picking a major, to things as little as eating at new places, making phone calls, or going out with friends.

I’ll stay in a terrible situation for as long as I possibly can if it means no confrontation, change, or new commitments.

“My favorite band is going on tour!?” Let me half try to get tickets because maybe I shouldn’t actually go because I would have to catch the train and then walk to the venue and also wait in line to get a spot in the crowd where I probably wouldn’t feel comfortable because there will be too many arms and elbows and I’d lose breathing space. I probably shouldn’t go. I have work the next day at 3pm anyway. “Those tickets were really hard to get a hold of…”

Sometimes I purposely cut off people who are starting to get close to me because I’m worried they’ll see me having an anxiety attack and then they’ll be afraid of me and look at me differently.

Simply because I shut down decisions without even making an attempt to evaluate them. I worry about what there would be to worry about before I get the chance to even worry about it. I’m sure that didn’t make any sense.

However, It has also taught me:

Nothing lasts forever. If I’m out, I’d rather be home safely because I’m worried about all the things I have to get done, or I’m worried about not being home because I might possibly maybe have an anxiety attack. It seems like the night is going on forever and I do whatever I possibly can to get home ASAP. But, in reality, I won’t be out forever. I tell myself, “You’ll see your bed and your to-do list eventually. Be present now!”

One of the tings I’ve been practicing is confidence. Because when I’m confident, I am more likely to take chances and take advantage of how good I feel.

One major pro of having anxiety: you’ll always be organized! I have about 4 planners and to-do lists. For me, a major adaptor is writing everything down.

If practicing yoga each morning didn’t keep my anxiety under control, I probably would never do it.

A lot of people don’t know that I have anxiety. So, when I’m quiet or distant, who ever I’m with assumes I’m angry or upset. They never would guess that I’m trying to focus on my breathing because I feel anxious for no apparent reason. I don’t take everything so personally anymore. Everyone has his or her internal emotional moments.

Traveling with anxiety

            Anyone  can get travel anxiety. Whether you’re anxious about flying, the amount of people around you, a time change, leaving your home, not being near your place of comfort, etc. I get anxious knowing that I will not be around my place of comfort. I get anxious about getting anxious while I’m away. I get anxious about not being able to curl up in my own bed if everything gets to be too much. (Sometimes I just miss my dog). Causes of anxiety vary for each person. Here are some simple tips that I like to use to reduce stress/anxiety.

 1.Make a list of tasks to complete BEFORE leaving

            This way, while you’re away (whether it be on business or for fun) you won’t have to worry about tasks that need to be completed all the way at home. Plus, when I come home from a vacation, I get excited to see my pup and unwind. You don’t want to dread coming back to your own home to do more work!

2.Clean before you leave.

            This goes with #1. Before leaving to a trip (2 days or a week) I make sure to complete all laundry, tidy up, make my bed, do the dishes, etc. That way, as mentioned before, coming home wouldn’t be dreadful. Personally, my mood and stress is greatly effected if my house is unorganized.

3.Leave information.

            If you’re having a friend or neighbor look after your house, leave specific instructions and a couple important phone numbers if they have any questions. This will some what relieve you knowing your house is under good care.

4. Packing List

            Make a packing list separated by categories. (Beauty, Clothes, Carry on, Bathroom, etc). In each category, list the items you want to bring in order of importance, that way you have a better chance of leaving without forgetting anything important.

5. Get to the airport early.

            I know the usual traveler arrives at least one hour before their scheduled flight. I make sure to get there 2 hours early, so that there is plenty of time to go through security, print out your tickets, etc. Also, there’s room for hiccups without sending you into full on panic mode.

6. Busy Yourself!

            Bring magazines, your laptop, a book, a notebook, anything that will keep you busy while waiting for your flight/in flight. This could reduce the anticipation and anxiousness you get from waiting.

7.Carry immediate items in personal carry on.

            Before just grabbing your hand bag and saying “this will do” for your personal carry on, think about things you could see yourself getting anxious about. My essentials in a carry on are: Water, snacks, Tylenol, dremamine, phone charger, gum, lotion, hand sanitizer,  headphones, sunglasses and my notebook planner.

8. Remember it’s just a vacation.

            You’ll be coming back home in a few days. Your comfort place is not going to be taken from you forever! Breathe and think positively. Have a nice trip!

Any tips you would like to share? Share them with me!