It seems that Covid may be our most popular blog topic of the year. If so, that would be for very valid reasons - the pandemic is just about two years old and doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. Things that were once very normal have now become a luxury or commodity, such as: traveling, being in large gatherings, working from an office, or even going to school on campus. The focus in this article is going to be on traveling - the anxiety caused by some of the changes in traveling is surreal and can be quite overwhelming. Take note of some of the strategies and tips below to help combat this anxiety to the best of your ability when time comes for you to be on the go via air or sea.
Check travel requirements regularly. Make sure you are up to date with travel requirements at all times. In the event you are traveling internationally, do be cautious of that country’s rules and regulations regarding vaccines, positive tests, and/or quarantine periods. Yes, there have been countless instances where travelers have gotten trapped due to changing requirements or positive tests, etc., but doubling checking the rules and regulations at all times will definitely be helpful in allowing yourself to prepare for any potential things that you need to check off your travel-readiness checklist.
Focus on what’s in your control. Looking up all travel requirements, wearing a mask, being vaccinated, using sanitizer upon touching any surface or object, and socially distancing yourself from others are all things you can focus on. Remember that! Whether or not the person next to you on the plane is vaccinated, has tested positive for Covid, or washed his hands before touching your luggage when he put his in the stowaway compartment are all things you don’t have control over…but may definitely cause some anxiety. At the end of the day, you can only be in charge of yourself and your actions and take the necessary precautions.
Travel when absolutely necessary. If you feel that even your preparations and efforts in managing your anxiety around traveling are still impacting the ability for you to take your journey in peace, re-evaluate your travel plans. Yes, there are some circumstances in which traveling is inevitable, but if you can avoid your plans or postpone them, go for it. The only uncertainty here would be that no one knows for sure just how long the pandemic will last; take things day by day and be assured that you will be ready to travel when you are most comfortable.
All in all, our therapists at Niyyah Counseling have been working endlessly throughout the pandemic, and are familiar with some of the anxieties and emotions that have come up for the past two years. In the event that you feel the need for help in managing your emotions, trust that we will help guide you through your worries and fears. We are a click away and would be more than happy to help!