Five items to pack to relieve stress on your travels

Going on holiday is one of the most exciting periods of time we look forward to, but it’s fair to say that it can be a stressful experience for many too.

For lone travellers and people travelling for business that can especially be the case, having to navigate the various aspects of an airport, getting around a city and then combating the loneliness that can arrive. It can cause stress, anxiety and lead to a person getting into a headspin.

That’s especially the case for people who already suffer with their mental health, and if you look inside any private mental health clinic, that’s more people than ever before. But if you also seek counseling from a mental health professional, they’ll also provide you with coping mechanisms, and often what you take with you on your travels can help.

There are various items that can really provide comfort and stress relief on your travels, helping with a variety of different stresses, from noise to isolation, missing home to not understanding a language and finding it tricky to navigate around town.

Below you’ll find five items that may not completely relieve you of stress, but can certainly help make a big difference…

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones are a travel must-have for reducing stress. They are particularly useful during flights, train journeys, or any other situations where background noise can be overwhelming. These headphones work by cancelling out ambient noise, creating a quiet bubble that can help you relax and focus. Whether you want to listen to soothing music, a favourite podcast, or simply enjoy the silence, noise-cancelling headphones can significantly enhance your travel experience. They are also beneficial for blocking out distractions in noisy hotel rooms or busy urban environments, helping you to get better rest and stay calm.

Essential Oils and a Travel Diffuser

The scents and smells of home can make a real difference in reducing loneliness, while in fact carrying a small travel diffuser with scents that are proven to provide comfort and relaxation can be hugely transformative of a hotel room.

Scents like lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus are good for this, while a few drops of lavender oil on a pillow can promote a much more restful night’s sleep.

Portable Massage Tools

Travel can often lead to physical discomfort from long hours of sitting and carrying heavy luggage. Portable massage tools, such as a small handheld massager or a massage ball, can help alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation. Using these tools to target specific areas like your neck, shoulders, and lower back can provide quick relief and prevent stiffness. Additionally, some portable massagers come with heat functions, which can enhance relaxation and further reduce stress. Incorporating a few minutes of self-massage into your travel routine can make a significant difference in how you feel.

A Good Book or E-Reader

We all like to get lost in a good book, so bringing along your favourite reads can be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of travel, or provide a few hours respite while stuck in a hotel room alone.

They can provide a real sense of comfort, so whether you’ve got a physical book or an e-reader, getting lost in a story is only going to reduce anxiety and make any travelling or alone time that bit more enjoyable and bearable.

A Travel Journal

Finally, if you are struggling a little, people often find solace in writing their thoughts and feelings down. Journaling your experiences, feelings and thoughts can help you process the day as well as provide you with a creative outlet that can ease stress.

What’s more, a travel journal can provide you with a keepsake to look back on in years to come, allowing you to revisit memories that you may remember fondly.