For many of us, heading to the airport can begin a rushed panic and can lead to meltdowns. But for happy people, this experience is a human one. They’re going with the flow, not sweating the small stuff and being in the now. I’ve figured out the top 10 things happy people do before they go to the airport and why it makes their experience better!
While my “10 Things Happy People Do” list might not be all that mind-blowing, even if one of these observations helps make your travels better, I am going to take off into bliss totally!
10 Things Happy People do Before (and After) They get to the Airport
1. Prepare the night before.
Several things happy people do are make copies of their travel documents, check-in online, and ensure that their bags are not overloaded. There’s nothing worse than showing up at the airport and having to rearrange all your suitcases. No, thanks!
2. Hug and kiss their loved ones.
In the word of digital, nothing beats saying goodbye with human touch and interactions. Kissing and hugging those we love will upgrade us to a better mood right away! Furthermore, University of California professor Sonja Lyubomirsky’s research of what the happiest people have in common cites that they “devote a great amount of time to their family and friends, nurturing and enjoying those relationships.”
3. Pack their snacks – or having someone that loves them do it.
I read a lot about people packing snacks to the airport and, as a mom, I am an expert snack packer. Since we know airport food usually sucks, those that prepare their food will not experience being hangry at the airport.
4. Express gratitude.
The world’s most prominent gratitude researcher, Robert Emmons, defines it as a “sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life.” As a result, striving to feel grateful and noticing how fortunate our circumstances are (hey, we are on a trip after all) will make us feel much better.
5. Keep an optimistic outlook.
Upon arrival to the airport, happy people get their ‘zen’ face on. Have you ever noticed that certain people tend to expect things to go badly? Often, without any conscious prompting the “I forgot my passport!” panic starts to set in. No doubt, it’s understandable why happy optimists are less prone to freak-outs.
6. They do not take themselves too seriously.
Mistakes happen at the airport. Happy people allow themselves to make mistakes and only let themselves have very limited negative self-talk. After all, forgetting that a bottle of shampoo isn’t allowed through security isn’t the end of the world.
7. Helping others and expecting nothing in return.
Happy people want to give back and usually are not the ones hogging all the chargers or the seats! For instance, the most content people I know focus on trying to make the world a better place. Happy people let go of always wanting something in return. In fact, that’s how they never (or at least rarely) get disappointed.
8. Understand that fear is only a state of mind.
There are all kinds of fear at airports: flying, long lines, too many people! However, there is no point holding back in life just because you feel a little scared. On the other hand, you should take this time to meditate and realize how lucky you are to be heading off to a new destination!
9. Do not travel with toxic people.
We know the story or perhaps had our own experience. Happy people set proper boundaries and let go of toxic people. Makes sense, right? Otherwise, your trip is going to end up being a drag. Ultimately, we want our trip to be a positive one with no toxicity.
10. They go with the flow.
They stay in the moment and embrace the power of now. Being present has definitive happy benefits.
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“10 Things Happy People do at the Airport” was updated on July 19th 2017.
