Welcome to the holiday travel season, your next best Teacher
If you just cringed, you’re in good company.
Yes: peak holiday travel is upon us. And the mayhem is certain to come – who knows where or when.
(I could regale you with stories — like a tornado on Christmas Day at BHM airport, and 53 hours of non-stop travel just to get to Interlaken. Don’t ask. My partner literally fell asleep at the table of the Michelin-starred dinner I planned for our second night… but thanks to the delay, it became our first night. And we barely made it!)
Here’s the twist: instead of fighting it, what if you leaned in and turned it into your practice?
Because travel stress, my friend, might just be your teacher in disguise.
Things will Not go your way. And that's OK.
Let’s be real. Delays. Cancellations. Road backups. Lines moving slower than a turtle on molasses… Having to go back through the same airport security 3x due to inefficiencies and confusion (yup – it’s happened!)
That’s all part of holiday travel’s “charm”. 😉
And you know what? That has to be OK. Because when you accept that things rarely ever go as planned, you build resilience and protect your nervous and immune systems at once.
It’s the only way to stay sane.
The Equanimity Shift: Choosing Presence Amidst Chaos
We know it never goes as expected. So let’s play with it.
Here’s how to reframe stress into presence:
Notice what your brain is doing. You’re stuck behind someone hauling three giant bags. Your mind says: “OMG! Amateur hour…Move faster!”
Stop. Take two deep breaths. Notice the narrative. Ask yourself: Do they need a hand? And do you have one to offer?
Accept reality. Not “this is great,” but “this is what is.” “Yes, of course(!) this is a slow line. And I’m in it.”
Choose your response.
Path A: Fight reality. Ignite stress hormones. Fuel inner rage.
Path B: Breathe. Reset. Choose your calm.
Bonus points if you play with the moment: “Gosh, is this as slow as we can go? Come on, you can do better… try slower!” 😝
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space…
In that space, is the power to choose our response. In our response, lies our growth and our freedom.”
— Victor Frankl
4-Step Mini Practice: Be the Calm (and the Balm) the World needs to see
Every moment, you have an incredible opportunity to shape how you feel and experience the world.
Activate your Zen Travel Mode anytime with this simple practice:
Breathe deep using “box breathing”: Inhale (4 counts), hold (2-4), exhale (6), hold (2-4). Repeat 3×.
Notice & observe: Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings. (“I’m agitated.” “I might be late!”) Just observe and let them be.
Drop the fight: Release the mental story of “this shouldn’t be happening!” Because, of course, it is. Life rarely follows your plan, and never asked for your approval.
Reframe & Refocus: Ask: What can I do to elevate this moment? This is YOUR moment. Why not make it great?
Move your body if you can
Help someone else
Simply breathe, relax, and observe
- Grab a snack
Find contentment (even joy): Smile at the chaos. Connect with a fellow traveler. Celebrate the calm you choose.
Healthy Tips / Tools for the Journey
Airport/layover: Skip the lounge and walk a few laps instead! Laps > Lounge! Switch arms with your bags. Stand tall and get moving.
Gratitude > Grump: Anytime you feel ‘grumpy’, think of 5 things you’re thankful for, and why you’re thankful. Then think of 5 more…
Mindful Sitting: Give your screen a break. Sit tall, feet flat, gazing softly. Notice your breath. Accept the ambient noise as your new playlist. (Don headphones if the stimulus gets overwhelming)
Time to spare due to delays?: Offer help. A smile, a charger, a snack, or a coffee run. Kindness is mindfulness in action.
Make Calm Contagious: Why This Matters More Than You Think
This isn’t just about surviving a trip. It’s about cultivating resilience and showing up calm, centered, and sane.
When you embody calm amidst chaos, you give others permission to do the same.
You arrive more present. You connect more deeply. You digest better and feel better. (Yes, stress impairs digestion!)
And frankly: the fact that we’re alive and able to travel right now… That’s miraculous. Let’s not waste it.
So this week (or any week) when chaos knocks — you’ve GOT this.
Breathe deep. Watch your mind. Move your body. Express gratitude. Choose your calm.
And if you’re looking for some healthy and delicious holiday recipes to ground you, grab my go‑tos here.
Some of the most enriching conversations I’ve had – and the most fascinating people I’ve met – were at airports or on airplanes, when I’ve been open to being present and not engulfed by the madness of my mind.
Wishing you Grounded, Healthy Travels
May you feel nourished, centered, and navigate the noise with ease.
Here’s to traveling with presence and joy. And to growth and your wellbeing.
Leigh B.
Helpful Audio / Books for Mindfulness Practice & Wellbeing
Lose Your Mind (Josh Pais): A recent favorite. Yes, I’m “Elle VB” in the Audible reviews.
Living from a Place of Surrender (Michael Singer): A lifesaver during a long stretch of health challenges in the pandemic. Singer’s goofy, wise tone makes surrender feel tangible.
Practicing the Power of Now (Eckhart Tolle): I slow this one to 0.8x and listen at night or when my mind races at 3 a.m.
The Art of Letting Go (Richard Rohr): I only wish more of his audiobooks were self-narrated!
Discover the best healthy, sustainable, and delicious food near you.
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Love the mindful tips. Happy Holidays!
Thank you Zora! Glad you found them helpful. Happy Holidays to you!
Love, love, love this! Helpful reminders to stay present and appreciate everything my surroundings offer…whether at home or on the road. Kindness is mindfulness, indeed!
Love, love, love this post—great reminders for staying present whether at home or while traveling. I particularly like the contagious calm tip. So true. Thanks for all you do, Leigh, to help make the world a better place.
Thank you, Julie, for your beautiful words. I’ll be applying these myself again soon, and I’ve learned no matter how ‘practiced’ you are, you can never be reminded too much.. 🙂
Love these reminders! Embrace whatever comes our way…happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Lindsey! Safe and healthy travels!
Needed that – thank you!
You’re welcome, Miles! Happy to oblige 🙂
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