Traffic
Hitting the beach during the Summer is an idea that is as fun as it is unoriginal. You'll likely be fighting crowds before you even get there: on the freeways, in the parking lots, and on the sand itself. If all this togetherness with strangers stresses you out (as it does most people), it helps to plan ahead and adjust your expectations. First, see if you can go during non-peak hours--either early in the day (to avoid the mid-day rush to get there) or late in the day (so you'll be arriving when others have already left). You can also research traffic online or with your phone before you leave, and see if you can avoid the more gridlocked routes. Pack as lightly as possible in case you need to walk a while, or consider bringing backpacks or a wagon. Also, if you adjust your expectations and decide that traffic and crowds are simply part of the adventure, you will likely find that they bother you less.Deal With Road Rage
Too Much Sun
The sun can be wonderful, but it can also be draining, and finding yourself unprepared at the beach can be a very uncomfortable experience. Be sure you have enough water packed, and money in case you need to buy more. Perhaps even more importantly, be sure you have more sunscreen than you think you will need, as well as other forms of sun protection (hats, etc.) Sunburns can be dangerous for your health as well as physically painful, so be sure you are covered.Tips For Safe Sun Exposure--And How To Handle Hazards
Kids
Kids themselves can be part of the fun of the beach, but when children's needs are not met, a stressful experience can result. Be sure to bring enough toys to play with and food to eat, and don't stay so long that children in your family experience meltdowns. Many children can stay all day, but others can't; knowing your child's limitations can make for a more enjoyable experience for all.Tips For Travel With Kids
Body Insecurity
During the season of April showers, many women begin feeling a sense of foreboding when they imagine slipping into a teeny bikini for beach outings. And men are not immune to body insecurity, either. Nobody wants to look unattractive, and with so many bodies offering themselves up for social comparison, it's difficult not to be your own worst critic when it comes to noticing body flaws and worrying about bathing suit weather. One benefit to beach weather is that it can motivate healthier eating and exercise, both of which can help to relieve stress. However, concern about having a beach-ready body can bring considerable stress. If your beach outing is in a few days, there is not enough time to drop pounds or build muscle anyway. Fortunately, changing your body is not necessary; changing your attitude (and perhaps your wardrobe) will suffice. When feeling insecure, remind yourself that most people are at the beach to enjoy themselves and are likely more interested in their own fun than in the flaws you believe you have. Also, because body insecurity is a common issue, many people will be feeling the same way; at least you have company! If your body concerns become ruminative and consuming, you may want to practice shifting your focus to your strengths, or try thought-stopping techniques like actively changing your focus when you catch yourself zeroing in on your perceived flaws. Finally, to help yourself feel more comfortable, it's worth going bathing suit shopping before you go, especially if you plan to go to the beach with any frequency, or if your body has changed since you last wore your suit in public. Opt for something that flatters your physique, but shows only as much as you are truly comfortable showing. Being more comfortable with your swimsuit can help you to enjoy yourself more, and the extra confidence that comes from that will look fantastic on you!Improve Your Body Image
Whether you are enjoying a vacation, a staycation, or an afternoon out, the beach can be a wonderful place for stress relief. With these tips, you can take full advantage of the stress relief benefits the beach has to offer. Enjoy!
