We are right in the middle of the festive and wedding season, which means it’s time to travel. Whether it’s a leisurely visit to a beautiful destination for some much-needed time, or a trip to your hometown for a family reunion or wedding, now is when people start crafting their itineraries. However, last minute packaging and reservations, traffic, cancellations or long lines at the airport can be overwhelming and cause stress during the holidays. However, some simple breathing exercises in times when you feel anxious it can help you calm down and have better control of your situation. (Also read: 5 Anxiety-Related Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore This Holiday Season )
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Prakriti Poddar, Mental Health Expert and Global Head of Mental Health and Wellness for RoundGlass, recommends these breathing exercises to stay calm and manage stress during the festive season.
1. Mini-meditations for a quick reset
Arrive at a destination and have no idea how you got there? Often, we completely ignore our surroundings because our attention is on our phones or a book. We completely miss the trip. A short meditation (5 minutes) can help take your mind off such distractions and refocus on the world outside your window seat. It will also help you reset in case you experience any last minute anxiety.
2. Try affirmative meditation to cope with unexpected stress
Taking deep breaths can help us calm down in the most stressful situations. While traveling, you may encounter unexpected challenges, such as bad weather or sudden cancellations of reservations, which can cause anxiety and stress. Try doing a mini affirmation meditation to deal with such situations. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes and focus on your breath. As you direct your attention to your breath, think of positive messages such as “I feel calm, strong, resilient, and strong.” “I exhale worry, tension, and anxiety and breathe in peace, tranquility, and calm.” “I believe in myself and my ability to cope.” Practice this for 10 minutes to feel more relaxed and positive.
3. Practice meditation/mindfulness while you wait
With conscious awareness, short layovers or delays can become an opportunity for wisdom. If you often find yourself exasperated or just want to feel less bored or stressed while waiting at the airport, doing a short mindfulness practice can help. Begin by calming down by taking a few deep breaths. Let the breath take control for a moment. Now, when you feel balanced, see this moment as an opportunity to open your heart. Send goodwill to those around you and imagine them as part of a great human family. Using this time to become a more thoughtful and conscientious traveler may not help you get to your destination faster, but it could help you get there feeling more relaxed and allowing you to enjoy the journey even more.
After a long and stressful year, social celebrations and travel can help us reset by nurturing our mental and physical well-being. Practice the above exercises while traveling to become more mindful and aware, feel energetic, and thrive in every moment of your journey.
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