How to Get Over Depression While Traveling
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It may sound weird, but believe me, every once in awhile you can encounter depression while traveling, especially if you are traveling long term. It happens. You get stressed or burnt out and suddenly this dream trip, vacation or lifestyle or whatever you are doing on the road no longer seems fulfilling. People may not understand it. You are “living the life” afterall. But for you it is just everyday life and everyday life for everyone has its ups and downs. So how do you combat sadness and depression while traveling and when you are on the go all the time?
Have you guys seen “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”? Whenever I am sad or stressed or just generally freaking out about life, finances, my life choices (really anything once I start down that rabbit hole…) I think about the mean reds. And then I think, why can’t I find a place like Tiffany’s? Well London may have a Tiffany’s but I don’t think it will have the same effect per se… So here are my tips for battling sadness and depression while traveling.
*Note: I am totally not a psychiatrist and all my tips should be taken as just that, tips, not a recommendation from a doctor
Sleep it off
Yes, I love sleeping and more than usual when I am sad. I find it gives me a chance to decompress and let my subconscious work on what is truly bothering me. So you may miss a day of sightseeing but being on the road all the time takes a toll on you and sometimes you just need a break. Have a cup of tea, snuggle under the covers and take a nap.
Do What Makes You Happy
Once you have shaken off your slumber, go do something that makes you happy. This could be going for a walk, going to a museum, grabbing drinks, or doing something new with friends. Whatever makes you happy, go do it! Take the time to just enjoy life and not let whatever you are worried about intercede. It can be tough to let go of your anxiety during that time but if you can set it aside for just a bit it will lift some of that weight off your shoulders.
Talk to Someone
Sometimes it is tough to talk to people when you are upset or sad especially if people perceive you to be living this amazing lifestyle. But find someone you connect with and can be real with. It always helps to talk out what is bothering you. If you don’t have someone you feel comfortable talking with or can’t because of time differences, try writing things down. It always help me to analyze what is going on and try to take proactive measures once I write the issues down.
Analyze What is Bothering You
I don’t know about you guys but I am a huge list maker and when things upset me my first instinct is to break it down. I have filled many, many, many notebooks with potential budgets, new ways to make money, notes on what I need to be happy, daily to do lists to keep me motivated, etcetera and I have to say, writing it all down helps me analyze what is bothering me and also helps me discover a solution. I remember writing random solutions in a notebook back in August while in Croatia about our impending financial crisis and while it isn’t gone, the lists I made that day helped to abate it. In essence, by analyzing what is wrong you can usually find a solution.
And when all else fails….
Help yourself to a cup of tea, your favorite television program and just realize that it is ok to have an off day now and then; you live a great life and in the end you have a lot to be thankful for. If you can find things to be thankful for things can’t be that bad after all.
Focus on the positive, breathe and let everything else go!
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Ashley
Ashley is a passionate traveler and all around geek who loves to nerd out over ancient ruins. Her passion for history and art drives her to explore the hidden depths of a culture and share them through her photography and writing.
2 thoughts on “How to Get Over Depression While Traveling”
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I couldn’t agree more! The best way to deal with the mean reds (and can I say, as a HUGE Hepburn fan it’s my favourite movie, perhaps for more reasons I care to state) is to do something about it. And for me, someone who has dealt with depression and anxiety all her life, the biggest tips for helping yourself through it are to do what makes you happy, talk about it to someone who’s a good listener and understanding and my #1 tip – GET OUTDOORS! It’s a proven method of combatting depression, when all you want to do is curl up and stay indoors, it’s best to get outside, get active and enjoy some vitamin D!
Wishing you both all the best!!
I definitely agree that getting outside helps too! I probably should have added that one…. Wishing you all the best too!