How to recharge at the airport while traveling solo

How to recharge at the airport while traveling soloHow to recharge at the airport while traveling soloWhether its for work or vacation or to visit family during the holidays, most of us are going to find urselves traveling alone at some point in our lives.If the idea sounds like a complete nightmare to you, youre definitely leid alone. Long lines, getting through security, and waiting through multiple delays at your gate is bad enough when you have a buddy to help get you through. Alone, it can become even more nerve-wracking. But traveling alone need not be such a nuisance. Ultimately, we have a choice We can let the airport win and completely drain us of our life force, or we can adapt and change the typically trying experience into me-time. Below are a few tips on how to do just that.1. Consider more than the destination when you packIts easy to get so caught up in making sure we have what we need for the destination that we overlook what we need for the journey. So, when youve fi nished getting packed, take a moment to think of all the ways you get uncomfortable when youre waiting for your plane. Personally, my knees get horribly achey, it always seems to be freezing, and I get hangry but dont care to drop a ton of money on lunch. Fixes? A blow-up footrest, compact fleece blanket, some chamomile tea (hot water is usually free), and a homemade avocado and cucumber sandwich. Its just enough stuff to keep me feeling cushy without me having to pack everything away as soon as I get set up.Its also nice to include one item that doesnt necessarily solve a problem but does make you happy. For me, it could be anything from a travel tube of the new hand cream Im in love with to a trinket my late grandmother got me. If it puts me in a good mood and is easily stowed, into my bag it goes.2. Download a meditation appTaking a moment to recharge during the hurry up and wait game can be a complete lifesaver.You dont have to be a nervous flier to find airports really stressfu l - even after youve made your way through security. Whether or not youre someone who meditates, taking a moment to recharge during the hurry up and wait game can be a complete lifesaver. If youre new to the practice or think it might be too difficult to find your center in such a busy place, I couldnt recommend a meditation app enough. There are some pretty amazing options out there that can easily help you relax and find your calm before you head off to board your flight.3. Take advantage of all that time with a leave-on maskI dont know about you, but Im a bit of a wild sleeper - so an overnight face mask is usually a no-go for me. Where it can make an appearance, however, is on a long trip.Before you go to try this yourself, I would suggest you follow a few simple rules. First, make sure youve cleaned your hands thoroughly. I dont think I need to tell you just how gross an airport can be when it comes to bacteria, but you definitely dont want to transfer any of it to your face. Next, wipe your face with a disposable facial cloth (or towel dampened with micellar water if you dont do the disposable thing) to remove any impurities. Finally, pick a mask that absorbs into the skin and doesnt require wiping off. Youre looking to relax, not give yourself a chore after you land.Now, when your flights all finished, you can step off the plane looking nice and dewy instead of dry and drained. (Just dont forget to stay hydrated)4. Pick up a hobby or skillIt might not seem like it at first, but an airport is actually a pretty good place to teach yourself something. Youre in a situation where youre mostly just sitting and waiting, and theres not going to be much around to distract you - especially during the journey itself. As for what to learn, its entirely up to you. There are tons of apps and videos out there that will teach you something for free, so you shouldnt have any trouble at all finding a subject that interests you. And dont feel like you have to limit you rself to just the digital Just make sure to choose something feasible. So long as it doesnt require a ton of equipment, the skys the limit. (Fun fact I actually taught myself to knit while waiting for my best friend to give birth.)5. Do some personal housekeepingWhether its organizing your photos or coming up with a 5-year plan, we all have those projects we can never quite find the time to get around to. Just like with learning something new, waiting around at the airport might be the perfect time to buckle down and do it. Even if you know theres no way youre going to be able to finish, itll still be well worth a shot. Especially with longer projects, getting started can be the hardest part. So, no matter where you are in the process, theres a very good chance youre going to feel much lighter than if you hadnt started chipping away at it at all.Originally from Illinois, Sarah Militello is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and founder of womens lifestyle and travel website Milk Flowers.This article was originally posted on Shondaland.com.