Air travel is one of the most amazing aspects of modern life. It also happens to be the safest form of transport as well. Despite this fact, and my love for experiencing new places, I have been an anxious flyer nearly my entire life. I’m not alone either. Nearly 20 million people experience a fear of flying as well. Usually, takeoff, landing, and the turbulence in between causes my heart rate to skyrocket, while I’m trying my best to keep it together. At this point, I probably sound like someone who doesn’t fly very often at all. However, I’ve always been a frequent flyer, but exposure therapy hasn’t seemed to quite hit its mark with me yet.
At the core of my fear, my rational brain knows there is no need to be afraid. Of course, it’s easier said than done. Nonetheless, I’ve had to find ways to cope over the years, especially now that I’m living in Hawaii. There is, of course, only one way off the island. While I can’t say my anxiety doesn’t still affect my travels, these few tips and strategies have made it easier to get through long flights. If you also struggle with flight anxiety, perhaps these tips can help you as well.
Know the facts
Our minds have a funny way of blowing things out of proportion. With news reports always focusing on the most disastrous events, it can seem like we live in a world of constant danger. As mentioned earlier, however, flying on airplanes is the safest mode of transportation. More so than any other remedy for my flight anxiety, familiarizing myself with the facts of airline safety has worked to quell many of my fears. While car crashes are much more common and fatal, airline crashes come down to a .0035 chance for every one million miles flown. These facts bring to reality just how safe flying is and may help to ease your nerves a little bit.
Try breathing exercises
Breathing exercises are a great way to calm the heart rate, focus on the breath, and take your thoughts away from your surroundings. By focusing on the breath, you can work to take control of anxious thoughts. Or, download a meditation to listen to while on your flight as well.
Distract yourself
One of my favorite ways to calm flight anxiety is to occupy myself with things that will take my mind off of my immediate surroundings. Check out the in-flight movies, or immerse yourself in a good book. Try making a calming playlist before the flight, or even one with all your favorite songs.
When flying, it’s important to recognize the difference between being in actual danger, versus your mind constructing a false reality. Learning to distinguish between the two can bring more awareness to those moments when anxiety becomes overwhelming. Different bumps and sounds throughout the flight are normal, and every plane ride is a little different. If you feel that your fear of flying is disrupting your ability to travel and fly comfortably, don’t be afraid to get professional help, such as with therapy. Hopefully with some of these tips, however, you can feel a little more confident and calm about your next flight.