I recently had my close friend, Ashlee, visit from South Dakota! She is one of the most caring, giving and genuine people I have ever met. I am so lucky to have her as both a friend and as a support. She is someone who I cherish everyday. I was lucky to have been able to see her a few times while she was home. We had a wonderful time getting breakfast, finding sea glass and taking a late night walk through Salem.
She reached out to sleep over on her last night before her flight because she felt safe in our home and in our presence. She has some general anxiety and knows about my journey and felt as if I would be able to help her along (something that I found humbling and special). Flying made her very nervous, which is something that I, as well as many other people, can relate to. She had to take a few trains and a few planes and when she left we had a few conversations that included her expressing her nervousness and me trying to help put things into perspective. I want to touch on some of these things to help people who also may have some flying jitters.
- Plan, plan plan!
If you know that traveling makes you nervous, don’t wait until the last minute to make plans and figure things out. When I travel I literally have a folder with a calendar, list of things to bring on the plane and what to pack, an itinerary and my lucky socks. Knowing what is coming next can take out a lot of the scariness out of what otherwise may be an unknown situation. - Be early!
I’m not sure about other people, but having to rush makes me even more anxious. Give yourself plenty of time so that you can find where you need to be. I would rather wait for an hour before my flight than to have to run to the terminal. Peace of mind is worth losing a little sleep in the morning when you have to catch those early flights - Keep busy on the flight!
I pack a good amount of things that I know will keep me busy (in between making myself take naps). Here is a look of what is in my backpack:
-Wallet. I pack my purse in my checked bag so that I don’t have to carry so many things. I make sure I that my ID or passport is right on top and my plane tickets are handy.
-Fully charged cell phone with head phones, a wall charger and a portable charger (I have a solar powered one that is pretty slim). I play music throughout the entire flight (usually Nora Jones or “relaxation radio” on Pandora. That shit will put you right to sleep).
-A good book. I usually bring my Kindle locked and loaded with a few books because my carry on is much lighter that way.
-All of my medication. This one probably should be number one. If you are taking any medication, do not risk putting it in your checked bag. It could get lost and then you’re screwed. I take a good amount of medication (which I will get into in a future blog) and need to make sure they are always on my person. As long as you pack your medication in their original bottle with your name on it TSA won’t mess with you.
-Gum. My ears pop.
-A change of clothes. I shove these at the bottom of my bag just in case my luggage is lost I have outfit to hold me over. I should also add that my luggage has never been lost, but it can happen and I feel better knowing that I have some.
-My blankie. I’ve had it since I was little and it calms me down. I never grew out of it and never will. Pack it if you have one or something like it. No shame in my game.
-A coloring book and colored pencils. I have barely ever colored on a plane, but it’s there just in case I get bored enough
-A neck pillow. Years ago a friend that is a big traveler turned us onto these pillows called Trtl Neck Pillows. They wrap around your neck like a scarf and allow you to sleep with your head in any direction. You can get these online at http://www.trtltravel.com or on amazon. Life changer.
-Sleeping mask. I just cover my head with my blankie, but do you boo boo. - Ask for Help!
Airports are confusing. I mean, how does it all work? Don’t be afraid to ask an employee for help. They know what to do and where to go if you get lost or confused. You’re never too old to need an adult. - Medicate!
If you have any medications that you take at certain times be sure to take it on time. This is also a good time to use those PRNs (medication taken as needed) if you start to get really anxious. - Breathe and Stretch!
I always stretch before a flight. If you’re going to be in tight quarters for a little while it’s a good idea to do so. This will also get you in tuned with your body and can even be a grounding exercise. If you’re feeling extra nervous, using a breathing exercise can center you. I usually count my breaths up to 10 (inhaling is one, exhaling is two) and then start again. Ashlee mentioned that she will breath in for 6 seconds, hold for 8 seconds and exhales for 6 seconds. Use this exercise for as long as needed. You can even use it when taking off or any time you feel yourself getting antsy. - Enjoy Yourself!
Traveling is definitely nerve-wracking but its also kinda exhilarating. Go with the flow. Keep yourself safe and remind yourself of the great people and things your about to see or do. Life’s a garden. Dig it.
A Bowl of Oatmeal 