Vacation or guilt trip?

Travel may be the best stress buster. And yet, for some, the journey between home and the airport is surprisingly stressful

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

Last week I wrote about my propensity to make lists - and how that took the stress right out of packing.

But what I didn't mention is that no matter how many lists I make - and obediently tick off - nothing makes me more anxious than travelling.

I am an anxious person at the best of times. And my anxiety levels are not helped by my propensity to dream up problem scenarios that may come to pass and how I cope with them.

But when it comes to heading out on a trip, my anxiety is centred around the here and now.

Locking up has never been easy for me, even if I am heading out for a local shop. I double-check and then triple check doors, windows, cupboards, etc to make sure that the house is secure. Even before I head to bed I have a ritual of going around the house, making sure the locks are on, the lights are off, and that the balconies are secure.