Travel Anxiety – UH OH 

Does anyone else suffer from travel anxiety? I am planning a trip tomorrow to drive to visit my mom. Of course, I’ve made this drive a thousand times. And of course, once I am on the road, I’m fine. And of course, I can’t wait to see my mom and once always glad to be there. But right now, my head hurts, my stomach is churning, and I am worrying a thousand worries.  Suddenly a thousand what if’s are echoing in my head… Anxiety causes massive over thinking. I am trying to learn to STOP! Trying to yell STOP at that voice in my head.  Trying to rationalize with myself. We all know, however, when you have anxiety, you don’t always have the ability to rationalize.

The definition of OVER THINKING – Think about (something) too much or too long.

I’ve googled how to stop over thinking – but realistically its way easier said than done. The first step to stopping yourself from overthinking is to learn when you are doing it. Like we honestly don’t knwo when we are doing it.  LOL.  Whenever you notice yourself feeling stressed or anxious take a step back and observe the whole situation. Many times we start to over think because we are scared. We think of all of the possible things that could potentially go wrong. Instead, start to picture all of the things that can go right and keep those thoughts in the front of your mind. Theses are things that optimistic people do every single day. These are the things rational people do – but they don’t suffer from anxiety. When you begin over thinking, get up and change places. Studies show that a new vantage point can be enough to shake you out of a fruitless thought process. You can also try distracting yourself with a new hobby such as running, dancing, knitting, or learning an instrument.

As I found myself spinning in circles of travel anxiety and another migraine, I spent the morning watching reruns of Sex and the City. Honestly, still one of my favorite shows, especially when anxiety strikes. But after a while of being too still, I’ve realized I need to move, to get distracted, and BE IN THE NOW! The longer I continued to sit and focus on my worries, the worse I felt… I’m pee’ing on today again. I am anxious about tomorrow and the future. I don’t have any control over the future.  But that’s anxiety – we worry about the past and the future. We worry about the things we can not control. We worry about the unknown.  We worry about not having a plan (at least I do). The sun is shining, my kids are laughing, and I am about to see my mom. I can’t worry about driving tomorrow and something bad happening. I have to embrace today and embrace my experiences – not fear them. Anxiety loves to attack our fears!  I like everything to fall into this nice neat little plan/package (just as I imagine in my head).  I’ve learned the hard way that life doesn’t work that way.  It’s a Messy Journey!