The holidays are almost here! Meaning it may be time to pack up the family, get on a plane, and head back to your hometown so your kids can visit with grandma and grandpa. So, though you may be thrilled to see your family and spend time where you grew up, we can bet not all of us are looking forward to the day of traveling. We understand that traveling, especially with your kids, can be stressful.
This year, we want to help – Dr. Yazhini Srivathsal, psychiatrist atBanner Behavioral Health Hospital, has shared 8 great tips to help keep your holiday travel stress to a minimum.
1. Make some lists.
Put an end to the constant worrying you are going to forget something and write things down. You can tape a list to the front door that includes things you need to do before leaving the house like checking the mail or watering the plants. Write yourself a list of the can’t-live-without essentials you will need to pack for you and your kids. This will help prevent having to turn back around to get something and putting your perfectly planned schedule at risk.
2. Visualize your travel day ahead of time.
As you are preparing for your trip, take a few minutes to think through what your travel day will look like. This will help remind you of some additional things you may need to bring or things you can do in advance to keep the day running smoothly. It might be a good idea to get a print out of your boarding pass, as you don't want to be delayed if the app on your phone does not work at the security gate. Are you going to be using your phone to occupy your time at the airport and on the airplane? Maybe slip a portable charger into your purse so you don’t run out of battery. Is your family picking you up from the airport? Send them your flight information now so they can stay posted on your arrival time.
3.Fly early in the day.
较早的飞行通常是避免登机和着陆时延误的最佳选择。这是一个不错的奖励，但尤其是在假期与孩子一起旅行时。如果您有不可预见的延误，取消飞行或错过的航班，这也将是一个优势，因为您也许可以在同一天获得另一次航班，而不必在机场等过夜。
4.在您认为应该应该之前离开。
计划要比您认为需要的时间更早前往机场。请记住，那里的路上可能会有交通，您需要通过安全性，您想在孩子上飞机之前带他们去洗手间，等等。感到匆忙是一种肯定的方式，可以在您的一天中增加不必要的压力。
5。Have important documents, emergency supplies and medications handy.
每当您旅行时，请确保手头上有健康保险信息，以防万一。如果您的旅行涉及驾驶，请确保您拥有汽车保险，汽车注册和紧急路边援助信息等车辆的所有必要文件。另外，请确保您的汽车中有急救箱，以及其他紧急用品（如手电筒和跳线电缆）。不要忘记您的药物，并尝试至少携带额外的一天的供应。
6。Be comfortable.
在旅行日之前获得足够的休息，并全天吃营养餐，可以帮助您在旅行期间和之后感觉更好。旅行时，穿着舒适的衣服和鞋子穿好衣服，因为到达后，您总是可以换成更好的衣服。确保您至少在旅行中至少伸展或行走飞行。
7。随身携带聪明。
Think through what you want to carry onto the plane and what you are going to check. Put liquids in quart-sized bags and laptops in easily accessible areas, so you are ready for the security line. Coming prepared with snacks and a new or favorite toy for each child can be a lifesaver. Make sure you have enough entertainment for yourself too like a hard copy of a good book, an audiobook or videos. Once you get through security, pick up some water so that you have enough in the event there are any delays along the way. On the flipside, really think through what you need to bring and what you do not. You do not want to be struggling to carry everything you packed while trying to hold on to your little ones. With online shopping and stores willing to ship directly to almost anywhere, it might be a better idea to ship out gifts, instead of carrying them with you.
8。Think positive and relax.
There is no use worrying that something will go wrong when the day may go smoothly. Understand that certain things are out of your control and be confident that you did your best to prepare for the day ahead. Don't forget to be kind to yourself. Understand that others around you might be stressed by holiday travel too and try to practice kindness towards them. Remember the holidays are to relax, enjoy and have fun. You might be surprised to find that your travel day becomes part of your beautiful holiday memories, so remember to not fret the little things. So, now...sit back, relax and enjoy the holidays!
