Commuter anxiety is on the increase. Listening to the news recently, I kept hearing them talking about commuter anxiety. This condition appears to worsen whenever train, airport, or bus delays and traffic congestion occur.
How can you cope with this? What do you need to do to feel better?
Of course, we all wish these things wouldn’t happen as we want to travel comfortably and quickly from A to B, but that isn’t always possible.
Things happen. I remember the volcano that sent ash into the skies and disrupted flights.
I remember storms that disrupted all transport in the 1970s.
I’ve had plane delays due to industrial action and mechanical faults.
There is always something that disrupts travel, so how can you cope?
What is commuter anxiety?
Commuter anxiety is a situational form of anxiety that is triggered by travelling and exacerbated by delays and disruptions.
For many people, commuting is a daily habit.
It can happen at any time.
It can happen with any mode of transport: car, train, plane, bus, or taxi.
It can happen to anyone.
This is significant as commuting can affect people’s mental health and well-being.
What causes commuter anxiety?
Commuter anxiety is caused by overthinking and worrying about perceived threats. It involves trying to predict the future and usually involves the ‘What if…’ questions. Examples might be: ‘What if the flight is delayed?’, What if the bus doesn’t turn up?’ or ‘What if I’m late and miss the train?’
Of course, some of these concerns are valid, as transportation systems can have issues.
Some people tend to be more anxious when travelling, as they are anxious in different situations, or there seems to be a family history of anxiety.
And some people have had previous experiences that have made them anxious.
Some aspects of habitual commuter travel may also contribute to low mood, frustration, anger, and stress caused by boredom or feelings related to the environment. One example of this might be regularly travelling on an underground system and not seeing sunshine.
Let’s face it, travelling may involve being near different people, which you wouldn’t usually do. It may increase your risk of contracting coughs, colds, and infectious diseases. However, a little exposure and increasing your barriers through healthy eating and immunisation also need to be considered.
Added to this, transportation is often noisy, sometimes dirty, and confusing due to unclear signs and announcements.
Many people also need to carry a lot of luggage, which can cause different concerns.
They then form the belief that all transportation is stressful, and it’s better to stay at home.
The problem is that when we travel, we must rely on other people and technology. It makes us feel out of control. These negative thoughts and feelings are related to congestion, overcrowding and unpredictability.
For people who are worried about new technology, the situation is exacerbated. For example, these days, when you go to an airport, you often need to use the monitors to check in. Some airports require you to go through self-service security systems. These can also be confusing and anxiety-provoking for some people.
What can I do to feel better?
Here are five fast techniques to help you when you need to travel.
- Prepare as much as you can before you travel. When I go on holiday, I write a list of the things I need to take. I print out my ticket and verify that I have insurance. I set my diary so that I don’t have any work coming in that needs to be addressed, and I keep key family members informed about the flights and times. But preparation is also mental.
- Use your imagination to enjoy the experience. Be creative if you are sitting on a bus for a long journey. Try some hypnotherapy if you need to learn how to relax your mind.
- Take something to do, like reading a book, so you don’t get bored.
- Choose to walk or cycle if possible, as a better mode of transport, as exercise will help you feel better.
- If you feel anxious or frustrated while travelling, try deep breathing by inhaling through your nose for a count of seven and exhaling for eleven. Take responsibility. (If you feel dizzy or have any breathing problems do not do this).
Finally, if you have any health problems consult with your doctor.And if negative thoughts and feelings continue to cause you commuter anxiety get help.
At Awaken the Change, I offer a bespoke service that combines hypnotherapy, counselling, and coaching. Book a complimentary initial consultation to learn more.
