TravelingWith Anxiety

I don’t really ever talk about this, but…

I have severe anxiety and OCD. I thought for the longest time travel wasn’t for someone like me. I passed on a lot of opportunities because the thought of stepping into situations I was uncomfortable with, or had little control of, was terrifying enough. I mean, how could I possibly travel when it would require me to do so many things that made the anxiety feel worse?

So, how do I travel so much now? Well, it didn’t happen overnight…

I recognized that the things we love most often scare us the most, and just because something scares you, it doesn’t mean it’s not for you… it just means you might have to work a little harder to make it your reality.

So, I worked at it and made some adjustments...

• I feel less anxious the more control I have, so I plan and research as much as I can before I travel- especially if it’s a new location. I Google what places look like, routes I might take, reviews, etc.

• When I first started traveling I only took trips with family and friends- knowing I didn’t have to figure everything out on my own took away a lot of the stress.

• I share my itinerary. It gives me an extra sense of security when someone else knows I’m traveling and where I’m staying.

• I always travel with a carry-on suitcase, even if I check a bag, so I know my important belongings and essential items are with me at all times- this way, there’s less panic if my luggage gets lost.

• I pack lots of sanitary wipes and I do a thorough check the sheets and mattress before I sleep in a hotel bed, iykyk.

This might all sound excessive, but this is traveling with anxiety, and to be honest, it’s just a small glimpse into the many routines I have that make exploring possible for me.

Sharing this is a little embarrassing, but I’m putting it here for anyone who feels like there’s a major obstacle standing between them and their goals. It’s okay to admit we have challenges, but let’s commit to finding ways to work on those challenges and go after the things that we really want.

We got this! 💪🏻