Top 5 Ways to Stay Calm and Practice Self-Care with Elevated Airline Security
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3) Know Before You Go
While the list of prohibited items is a moving target, it helps to review the list before you head out. The latest is at the TSA website. The anal person in me wants to print this out and take it with me in case I get questioned about items not on this list. Of course, some of the language on these regulations is a scream. I never realized gel bras were a threat to national security. And, to hell with you little citizens with medical needs, it’s not convenient for the TSA to cater to you, but please, fly the "friendly skies". Welcome to big brother and the invasive land of security. Travel light, and take all precautions you need to take care of your belongings and your own well-being.

4) Breathe
And then, breathe some more. It is amazing what deep breathing can do to keep you calm, centered, and out of a full fledged panic attack or rage. Not breathing isn’t going to help you get through security any faster and certainly isn’t going to make you feel any better. Do your best to stay in the moment knowing "this too shall pass".

5) Keep It in Perspective
Especially if you are traveling for pleasure, keep things in perspective. You’re choosing to travel by air (of course I’d need a month’s vacation to drive 3,000 miles, so my choices are limited!). As long as you stay safe and sound, the hassle is worth it. While I’m not convinced the current measures make things any safer than before, you simply have to trust and believe that all will be well. Even with all the terrorist hub bub, it is still safer to fly than drive the expressway to work.

6) Focus with the End in Mind
This is easiest done if you’re on a trip for pleasure. Visualize the great time you’re going to have at your destination. Tap into all the great things you are going to do and see that pumped you up about traveling in the first place. I know I will be visualizing paddling on Maligne Lake or hiking in the Canadian Rockies or splurging on fine dining. Even if you’re traveling for business, focus on the objectives of your trip and how you can make it most meaningful and successful. If you’re a nonstop road warrior, I don’t have a great deal of advice for you. My guess is you’re pretty used to the routine and either a) love the lifestyle or b) are putting up with it for a finite time to achieve another goal. (If your answer is neither a nor b, maybe you need to consider a career change.) While I am all about enjoying the journey, when it comes to air travel, in my opinion, it is just a means to an end (getting there).

If you’re traveling, good luck and stay calm. I’ll let you know if I have any earth shattering insights after my trip.

© Paula Gregorowicz and The Paula G Company specialize in inspiring and helping lesbian business owners and professionals to achieve more success without the burnout and compromise. To learn more visit her websites at http://www.coaching4lesbians.com and http://www.thepaulagcompany.com