I recently had the experience of an airplane mechanical malfunction that needed to be addressed before we could board our flight. One would hope that the reaction to such a thing would be good:
“Oh thank god, I’m glad we have the ability to foresee potential problems and address them to prevent catastrophes.”
A majority of people did not have this optimistic view point. Instead, this majority immediately became anxious and lined up in a queue to complain. They became concerned that they would miss their connections, that their time was supremely valuable, and that they were needed elsewhere.
I challenge you to not be a part of the stressed majority when things beyond your control go wrong. You will give yourself more grey hairs fretting about missed connections and being “on time” than if you just lay back and accept what you are given in any situation. From a standpoint of pure vanity, there is an odd sense of satisfaction watching a group of people freak out over something they have no control over, while you sit cool, comfortable, and happy as a button.
In addition to having a good attitude and patience, there are certain things you can keep with you when you travel to help keep comfortable when you are met with situations where you may be stuck waiting. Here are some things that I always make sure I have when traveling.
A physical book that does not rely on internet or electricity to read.
This is a great source of learning and entertainment that won't drain the battery in your cellphone. It allows for the experience of a speedier passage of time when in-between places and, in addition to improving your attention span and making you more well spoken, they also help with character traits like patience, which is arguably the most important component of reducing travel anxiety. Crossword puzzles and magazines also play well here.
A golf ball somewhere on my person.
Golf balls are cheap hard little roller balls that work great for giving one’s self a foot massage before or during a flight. We are all familiar with restless leg syndrome and coming out of flights feeling wonky from sitting for so long. Rolling over the fascia of the balls, arches, and heels of the feet has a positive correlation with the well-being of the hips. The modality of reflexology supposes that all of the major meridians of the body terminate in the feet; and by stimulating those terminal energetic points, you can stimulate and bring vitality to other parts of the body in an otherwise sedentary activity like flying.
A way to shut out both light and sound (ear-plugs, eye-mask, and melatonin).
Sleep is another great way to pass the time on a plane or at an airport. Darkness and quiet certainly help to make that happen. I would recommend Emergen-Z as well, which is a Vitamin C supplement taken with water that also gives you a healthy dose of melatonin that gives you a restful, dream-fueled sleep, and does not have addictive properties.
