An American’s Guide to Coping with Stress in India

India is a great place for tourists, with delights ranging from such wonders as the Taj Mahal, to great bargains in shopping bazaars. However, it's also an incredibly stressful place, especially for foreigners who are often unaccustomed to all of the sounds, smells, and the multitude of people roaming the streets. Here are a few ways to reduce the stress while traveling in India.

Before you embark on your trip to India, read up as much as possible on the country, so you'll know what to expect. Then, when you see things that are strange and unusual, they are less likely to catch you off guard. Here are a few ways to prepare yourself in advance for what you'll encounter.

Be Prepared for Traffic

In the U.S. we talk about rush hour and rightly so. But rush hour in every city in the U.S. doesn't compare with the chaos of traffic in India. When I first went to India, it seemed to me that there was no rhyme or reason to the traffic. From what I could tell, there were absolutely no traffic rules, or if there were, no one obeyed them. Over time I began to see that there was at least some system, though it is very different from what I'm accustomed to. This short video will give you an idea of what to expect, and the tips in this article may help you know how to navigate the sometimes overwhelming Indian streets.

Familiarize Yourself With Indian Food

In my opinion, one of the best things about India is the food, but if you're not familiar with it already, all of the options and strong spices may seem a bit overwhelming. Before my family moved to India, I began cooking Indian food at home so we'd be better used to it when we went. If you're fortunate enough to live near an Indian grocery store where you can purchase some Indian spices, pick up an Indian cookbook or do a search for Indian recipes online, then head to the Indian grocery store to get the ingredients you need. Even a simple trip to an Indian grocery store will give you a little feel for what it's like to be in India. If you do not live near an Indian grocery store, spend time eating in Indian restaurants. The servers in the restaurant will be more than happy to explain Indian food options to you and answer your questions.

Familiarize Yourself With Indian Culture

Indian culture is vastly different than American culture, so it helps to know the basics before you go. A few things to keep in mind is that the left hand should not be used to hand items, particularly food to people, and shoes should be removed before entering any religious dwellings including Hindu temples, Muslim Mosques, and Christian churches. It is also important for women to cover their heads when entering religious buildings or when coming into the presence of dignitaries.

Knowing what to expect and how to behave ahead of time will greatly reduce the stress of traveling in India.