By Kendall Robertson

Avoid Anxiety While Travelling For The Holidays

Dec 13, 2017 | 1:34 PM

The holidays are the busiest time of the year for the Prince George Airport. More than 41,000 passengers flew in and out of YXS last December. It can be a stressful time for people with anxiety, with long lines, potential delays, and remembering important documents. Prince George Airport Authority Communications Manager, Lindsay Cotter, said the biggest holiday travel tip is to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight. Cotter added the winter weather may affect delays and cancellations so it’s important to check the status of your flight before leaving the house using the YXS website.

A fear of flying can be made easier by practising mindfulness techniques. “Deep breathing, doing things you find restful or calming, things that give you a sense of pleasure or enjoyment,” said Canadian Mental Health Association Education Manager, Mary Lu Spagrud. “Doing things like reducing your caffeine intake because that can actually heighten your anxiety, reducing your alcohol intake.. doing some of those self-care type things to manage those general feelings of anxiety.”

The biggest things to keep in mind are to arrive early, with the proper documents for flying and to take a deep breath. “Christmas can be a stressful time,” Spagrud added, “recognize that things aren’t always going to be perfect and that’s okay, sometimes the best memories are those things that didn’t go well!”