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4 METHODS TO COPE WITH
TRAVEL ANXIETY Are you feeling tense about traveling in 2021? Here are four methods to help make your business travel go a bit easier. More and more people are getting vaccinated, and we see signs that the travel industry is recovering. Business travel, too, is moving forward in a post-vaccine world, and that may feel stressful to those that are not quite ready yet. Traveling for business in 2021 may feel overwhelming, especially when looking at the rising cost of travel, not knowing whether you will need a negative Covid-19 test, or being aware of ever-changing travel restrictions. Even though you may have prepared for upcoming business travel, traveling may still create added anxiety. If you feel this way, know that you are nowhere near alone. A recent poll, including both vaccinated and non-vaccinated respondents, showed that half the individuals felt uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions. There are many methods to help manage travel anxiety as we enter a post-vaccine world. Begin gradually.
An excellent start to help manage travel anxiety is to slowly expose yourself to tasks, experiences, and outings that you have not done during the coronavirus. Take a short getaway with friends, family, or co-workers to help feel more comfortable with in-person interactions. Dodge any stressful meetings or business travel in your preliminary post-virus trip. Be sure to become comfortable in places that are typically more crowded slowly. For example, if you have avoided restaurants during the pandemic, you may want to visit one before traveling. Planning a few practice outings will help you become comfortable being around people while remembering to follow all safety measures that may be in place. However, do not start too quickly and pan well ahead of your first planned trip. Doing so may increase your travel anxiety. Planning short outings and small tasks may also help when easing into activities. 25
