Heading off on your holidays but want to know how to make the travelling process less frazzled and more peaceful?
We’ve compiled some top tips for mindful travel to help you do just that.
1. Pack mindfully
If you can, give yourself a decent amount of time to pack so you can do it slowly and mindfully.
As you select the items you need, reflect on their purpose and value to your journey. Rather than just chucking everything into a bag or suitcase, pay attention to the process of packing them and the emotions connected with each item.
This practice promotes intentionality and helps reduce unnecessary clutter (and stress!).
2. Embrace the journey
Rather than solely focusing on reaching your destination, practise being present throughout the entire travel experience.
Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Mindful travel is all about embracing the journey itself, whether it’s by plane, train, or car, and appreciating the opportunity to observe new landscapes or interact with fellow travellers. Take care to offer yourself compassion around any parts of the journey you don’t find so easy.
3. Drop the digital
In the age of smartphones and constant connectivity, it’s easy to get caught up in social media or virtual distractions during travel.
We’re not suggesting you remove your phone completely (although you can if you want to) but it’s worth setting boundaries for yourself and limiting the time spent on digital devices. Instead of giving into technology’s constant distraction, try engaging in mindful activities such as journaling, meditation, or simply observing what’s happening around you.
By disconnecting from technology and embracing mindful travel, you can fully immerse yourself in the travel experience and foster a deeper connection with your surroundings.
4. Lean into the good and the bad
Holidays don’t always go smoothly. Instead of getting frustrated or impatient during delays or unexpected situations, try to shift your focus to mindful observation.
Take delays as an opportunity to practise mindfulness and compassion by observing your surroundings without judgment. Notice the people, the architecture, and other small details you might have otherwise missed.
When things don’t go to plan, we have an opportunity to extend ourselves compassion and kindness. By acknowledging your frustration or disappointment, you will be able to cope with it much better than if you just bottle it up.
5. Practise mindful self-care
Travelling can disrupt our usual routines, leading to over-tiredness or neglecting our usual self-care.
Take time to prioritize your well-being and offer yourself compassion. Make sure you tune into your body regularly to ensure you are getting sufficient rest, eating nourishing foods and staying hydrated.
Mindfulness practices like 5 minute body scans can be great for understanding your needs, wherever you are. We have a number of free audio clips of guided meditations that may help here.