Getting ready for a vacation can be very stressful. There are many things to take care if and consider, which can cause anxiety and unnecessary stress. Follow these steps to cool off before you take off.
Be prepared
If you know about your trip well in advance, prepare for your travels early. There is nothing more stressful than running around frantically at the last minute before you leave remembering all the things that need to be done with so little time left. Reserve and pay for your tickets well in advance. This way you will avoid full flights, get the exact departure and arrival times of day you want and have those tickets send to your home or printed out and in hand well before travel day. Besides ensuring the dates and times you want, flights booked in advance are usually much cheaper than last minute reservations. Also be sure everything at home is taken care of such as
*Pet care
*House sitter
*Plant care
*Cancellation of any weekly visitors/maintenance people/appointments
*Mail collection or hold
Lastly, pack way in advance and pack wisely. Start by making a list of everything you need and don’t need. This way you will not over pack or forget anything. You can always add or take away in those last days before your trip. Being prepared in advance and having everything taken care of will certainly reduce your stress level about the trip.
Yoga/Meditation
Yoga and Meditation are great methods for relaxing the mind and body. Learn a few basic routines and repeat one daily. You will notice a gradual decrease in your everyday stress level. Put on some soothing music, whatever is relaxing to you, close your eyes and focus on intensifying your positions. This should get your mind off preparations for your trip, at least temporarily.
Get a Massage
Massage has great benefits, too. Consider going to the nearest spa and signing up for a relaxing rub down. Massages tend to sore, stiff and tense muscles often caused by excess stress and anxiety, which tends to be running high just before you travel. Massage is also known to have other important health benefits like lowering blood pressure and increasing circulation, while easing and releasing tension from your body. Schedule a massage a day or so before your trip and knead away your troubles.
Relaxation CDs/Deep Breathing
Other great stress busters like deep breathing and relaxation CDs are easy to do just about anywhere, anytime. Deep breathing increases oxygen levels to the brain giving you a clearer mind and more energy. The last thing you want on your trip is stomach or digestive issues. Taking deep, cleansing breaths activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of your body that helps with healing and proper digestion. Relaxation CDs can help you get started with more deep breathing techniques. One example is the Sound Healing CD, which uses sound as a healing mechanism, very effective and a super stress buster you can even take with you on your travels.
Calm, Cool and Ready to Hit the Road!
Traveling can be very stressful and hectic. There is so much to do to prepare and anxiety before a trip runs high. Just by following these few tips, however, you can stay calm and keep your wits about you while planning your journey. Relaxation makes a vacation all the better!
Kandace Heller is a freelance writer from Orlando, Florida. When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys reading and going to the beach.
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