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Lower stress levels for holiday travel

In today’s world virtually any holiday travel is going to be a cause for increased stress and anxiety. Whether driving for a holiday visit with relatives or taking a holiday plane trip, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll experience some stress-producing, travel-related issues.

Regardless, holiday travel is popular. It’s estimated that this year’s holiday period will see more than 94 million Americans climbing in their cars for a holiday road trip. If air travel is in the plans, they’ll be joining an estimated 6 million fellow citizens who will fly to their holiday destinations.

It isn’t simply the numbers of travelers who add to holiday travel stress. There can be long, slow TSA security lines, delayed or cancelled flights, road construction, traffic jams on the route and all the issues that bad weather can bring.

The secret to minimizing holiday travel stress is separating what can be controlled from what can’t. People have no control over that approaching snow storm, the crowded airport or the many outside factors that can impede holiday travel plans.

So, in order to reduce stress and anxiety levels, they can focus on those factors they can control. If they’re driving, take the time to check out news reports for the route and decide if leaving earlier or later would help them to miss the worst of the bad weather.

Planning can also make airport delays less of a headache. If long TSA lines and crowded check-in lines are expected, depart earlier for the airport. Important stress relievers are the things travelers can do to insure that they’re not suddenly rushing and facing or missing deadlines. Don’t frantically pack that suitcase at the last minute. Instead, do it a day early, check weight and size requirements, make sure it meets them. They can then enjoy a relaxing cup of tea knowing they’re prepared.

People can also always take charge of how they feel. Use distractions to change focus. Getting upset or mad doesn’t move security lines faster or make traffic jams disappear. Instead of feeling frustrated in line, try playing a game on a smartphone or just watch fellow passengers. Stuck in traffic? Listen to the car radio, enjoy the music, consciously make an attitude change and look forward to enjoying the destination.

Holiday travel can be a hassle and quite likely they will be, but it doesn’t have to be highly stressful.

Counseling Corner is provided by the American Counseling Association. Send comments and questions to [email protected] or visit http://www.counseling.org.

 

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