Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

In today's world virtually any holiday travel is going to be a cause for increased stress and anxiety. Whether driving for a holiday visit with relatives or taking a holiday plane trip, it's almost guaranteed that you'll experience some stress-producing, travel-related issues.

Regardless, holiday travel is popular. It's estimated that this year's holiday period will see more than 94 million Americans climbing in their cars for a holiday road trip. If air travel is what you're looking forward to, you'll be joining an estimated 6 million fellow citizens who will fly to their holiday destinations.

It isn't simply the numbers of travelers who add to holiday travel stress. There can be long, slow TSA security lines, delayed or cancelled flights, road construction, traffic jams on your route, and all the issues that bad weather can bring.

The secret to minimizing holiday travel stress is separating what you can control from what you can't. You have no control over that approaching snow storm, the crowded airport, or any of the many other outside factors that can impede your holiday travel plans.

So, in order to reduce stress and anxiety levels, focus on those factors you can control. If you're driving, take the time to check out news reports for your route and decide if you can leave earlier or later to miss the worst of the bad weather.

Planning can also make airport delays less of a headache. If you expect long TSA lines and crowded check-in lines, depart earlier for the airport. Important stress relievers are the things you can do to insure that you're not suddenly rushing and facing or missing deadlines. Don't frantically pack your suitcase at the last minute. Instead, do it a day early, check weight and size requirements, make sure it meets them, and then enjoy a relaxing cup of tea knowing you're prepared.

You can also always take charge of how you feel. Use distractions to change your focus. Getting upset or mad doesn't move security lines faster or make traffic jams disappear. Instead of feeling frustrated in line play a game on your smart phone or just people-watch your fellow passengers. Stuck in traffic? Listen to the car radio, enjoy the music, consciously change your attitude and look forward to enjoying your destination.

Holiday travel can be a hassle, and quite likely will be, but it doesn't have to be high stress.