19 DEC 2017: We’ve all been there. Working long hard hours, strict budgeting and penny pinching, all in the name of that next dream vacation. Although if I’m being honest, the trip of MY dreams involves tapping the heels of my ruby red slippers three times while chanting there’s no place like ___ (the south of France!) If it were up to me I would skip over the flying part altogether. The fact is, many of us wrestle with feelings of restlessness or anxiety about the travel day, even if we don’t have a phobia of flying.

What if the weather is rough? What if a flight is delayed or I miss my connection? What if I get stuck in a traffic jam on my way to the airport? How early is early enough, will I be spot checked, what if my luggage gets lost, which reminds me, did I remember to pack an extra underwear in my carry on? Do I check a bag, or just carry on? What if my carry on is too big and I have to check it, will I have to pay? What if I…

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Travelling is the most enriching experience of the human existence (although I did make this incredible spinach artichoke dip once…). The point is, travelling can be stressful, but there are some things you can do to help make the process more enjoyable.

Remember all of those anxiety-provoking thoughts you had earlier? Notice how all of those thoughts are set in the future? Feelings of anxiety and nervousness come from worrying about the future and not living in the present moment. Almost every single time, all of the concerns playing out in your head are rarely the actual outcome.

So, take a deep breath and come back to the now, because when you live in the present everything is just fine.

If and when you feel your mind wander and your heart start to race, here is a foolproof trick to help calm and relax your mind.

Grounding countdown from 5.

5 – What are 5 things you can see?

– The colours in the carpet, the ticket counter, the wacky red hat the lady ahead of you is wearing, the no smoking light in the cabin, the magazine in the seat pocket in front of you.

4 – What are 4 things you can touch?

– The material of your suitcase, the smooth leather of your snazzy new laptop bag (well deserved by the way), the texture of the chair you’re sitting in, the soft fabric of your shirt.

3 – What are 3 things you can hear?

– The sound of those golf carts that drive people to their gates (how does one get a ride on those?), the sound your shoes make as you walk, the sound of the announcer’s voice over the loudspeaker, the sound of a deep exhale.

2 – What are 2 things you can smell?

– Your own perfume/cologne, the pencil you’re writing with, the familiar smell of laundry soap on your clothes, the calming scent of lavender essential oil you brought

1 – What do you taste in your mouth?

– Maybe it’s coffee, or the mint gum you’re chewing, or the taste of garlic that haunts you from last night’s tzatziki sauce that you knew was a mistake (a mistake maybe, but definitely no regrets).

You’ll find at the end of this exercise you will be so grounded by all of these stimuli in the present moment that you will have (almost) forgotten what had you so bothered in the first place. It’s all about perspective, and stress is purely your body’s reaction to a perceived situation.

So, it’s important to try to keep a positive perspective.

“I hate flying, bad things always happen to me…”

“I can’t wait to get off this F@#$#@ PLANE!”

All fair thoughts, but maybe instead try saying, “I am so excited to get off this plane and kickstart my vacation!”

A very subtle change, but it makes a huge difference in perspective. Instead of resisting the process, try to change your thoughts to gratitude for the opportunity to travel and explore the world. Consciously choose happier thoughts, use positive affirmations to find comfort, and focus your attention on the present moment to get out of your head,

Remember, millions of people fly safely all over the world, every single day.

Turbulence is just like a pothole in the road, and it is normal for planes to make noise.

“I am safe. I have released my fear and can fully enjoy my journey.”

Bon voyage!