Self-Care while Traveling
The holiday season is coming up quickly and for many of us that means travel is a part of our plans. With this can come a lot of stress and anxiety for a lot of different reasons. The anxiety behind schedules and things outside of your control, the need to feel prepared for everything, and the overwhelm that comes with staying in a place that isn’t home. The good news is that there are things we can do to tap into caring for ourselves, even if it means we have to do so on a plane, train or automobile. Here are some ways to practice self-care while you’re traveling.
Getting to Your Destination
Oftentimes, the most stressful part of getting somewhere is the actual travel portion itself. There are so many moving parts it can be hard to organize everything and not feel like a frazzled mess. These are things you can do to keep calm and enjoy the trip.
Whether you’re driving, flying, or taking a one horse open sleigh, give yourself plenty of extra time. Leaving your house earlier than you need to will make you feel more relaxed because you won’t feel like you’re racing the clock.
Bring or get a beverage to enjoy. Treat yourself to a coffee or soda for your trip. Sipping on something you like can make the moment that much sweeter.
Bring an activity you enjoy. If you like reading, bring a stack of books. If listening to music or podcasts is more your style, load your phone with lots of options for endless entertainment.
Practice deep breathing. Sometimes anxiety can creep in when things are outside of our control. Take a moment to breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth when these feelings begin to heighten.
Take breaks. There’s nothing wrong with taking a pit stop on your driving route to see a sight or stretch your legs. The extra 15 minutes won’t make or break your travel.
While You’re Away
Staying in a place that isn’t home can come with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re in a hotel or staying with family, you can still engage in your own self-care to maintain your inner calm.
Bring the things you need to sleep well. If you can’t sleep without an eye mask and your lavender pillow mist, make sure it’s in your suitcase and ready to use wherever you’re staying. Getting the best sleep you possibly can will only help you feel better while being away.
Set aside pockets of time for yourself. Being with family, especially large amounts of people, can be overwhelming and draining. Recharge your batteries by setting aside a bit of time to do something for you. This can be as simple as a quick ten minute meditation or a five minute journaling session in the morning before you head out the door.
Be present. Enjoy being with your loved ones and try to be in the present moment. Set your phone aside and allow yourself to be immersed in the room.
Do what feels right for you. While it can be hard to say no to family and friends around the holidays, it is okay to set boundaries to make yourself more comfortable. You don’t need to jam pack every single day if you know it’s going to cause burnout. Do what feels right for you.
Keeping up with your self-care throughout the holidays is so important to maintaining a sense of calm amidst the chaos. We know moms juggle so many things when it comes to this busy time of year, and we know you deserve to feel like your best self, even on the road. For more tips and ideas on how to make self-care a bigger part of your life, be sure to check out our workbook, A Mom’s Guide to Wellness. We know you’ll absolutely love it!
