Dealing with anxiety as a solo traveller can be tough. There’s a stigma that everyone who goes solo travelling fits a certain profile. That being, they’re the brave ones, the adventure seekers or the tough ones. However, anyone who has travelled alone will know that that’s not true and if you suffer from anxiety then you have more to gain from solo travelling than anyone else.
Anxiety can wreak havoc with your self-confidence but there’s no need for it to control your life. If you’re considering going solo travelling but are worried about how to manage your anxiety while you’re away, we’ve come up with some tips to help you. Here’s how to deal with anxiety as a solo traveller.
Feeling out of control is a common trigger of anxiety attacks so one of the best ways to deal with anxiety as a solo traveller is to be organised. Whether that means planning out an itinerary or having your accommodation booked, do what you need to do to feel reassured and just remember that you’re completely in control when it comes to your trip.
I can’t stress enough the importance of looking after yourself if you’re a solo traveller, particularly if you suffer from anxiety. Making the decision to travel alone is an achievement in itself so cut yourself some slack when you’re away. Book yourself into some nice accommodation for a while, treat yourself to rest days at the beach and don’t try and cram too much into your trip. Visiting too many places into too little time is only going to leave you feeling tired and stressed out.
Anxiety can play havoc with your self-confidence but meeting new people is what travelling is all about and it’s really not as daunting as it seems. If you stay in hostels then it’s virtually impossible not to meet people and knowing that you can strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger will be a massive confidence boost for you.
Low blood sugar levels are well known for triggering feelings of anxiety so make sure you eat at regular intervals to avoid anxiety attacks while travelling alone. Travelling can be unpredictable and it’s not always easy to find food so be sure to carry a couple of snacks with you wherever you go.
Just because you’re travelling solo that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. It’s virtually impossible to travel by yourself and not ask for help, whether that’s for directions, recommendations or even just for help putting your bag in the overhead compartment. If you suffer from anxiety as a solo traveller don’t be embarrassed to let those around you know how you are feeling.
If you suffer from anxiety then you’ll probably go into solo travelling with loads of preconceptions. Perhaps you assume that you’ll be lonely or that you won’t deal well with being so far outside of your comfort zone. The thing about solo travelling is that you can never anticipate how it’s going to so try not to go into it with any preconceptions. You’ll probably surprise everyone, including yourself.
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