Flying isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. While some love the thrill of flying, there are others who would much rather take a four-day bus ride than sit on a one hour flight. However, flight anxiety is a common condition that can be overcome. So before you completely give up on flying, here are eight tips to help you cope with your phobia:
1. Wear something comfortable
Being the best-dressed on a flight, especially a long one, won’t help you feel comfortable. Give those tight jeans a break and settle for a pair of yoga pants that lets every inch of your body breathe.
2. Take deep breaths
Engage in some light breathing exercises before your board the plane, and before it takes off. While you’re at it, keep calm and think of mild, happy thoughts. This will distract you from all the excitement about flying.
3. See a doctor for a prescription
If the anxiety kicks in quite badly, the next best thing to do is to see a doctor and get a prescription for medication that helps you relax. Often times they will be drowsy, so you will end up sleeping during the flight. Some pills can knock you out straight for 8 hours, so if you have a short flight, ask for something milder.
4. Distract yourself with entertainment
The sound of the engine on an airplane is enough to stir up your flight anxiety. The best way to overcome this is by tuning it out with some good, comfortable headphones. Listen to some relaxing music with your eyes closed, or try listening to nature sounds! Just because you’re on the airplane, that doesn’t mean your mind has to be too!
5. Bring a photo of your destination
A powerful antidote to relieving stress while flying is to imagine yourself in your destination. Print out a photo of your destination; whether it’s a beach resort, or a hiking trail – it’s a method to remind you that you’re in a safe place! Keep your mind focused on it, then close your eyes and relax!
6. Remind yourself that planes are safe
Believe it or not, airplanes are a very safe mode of transportation. Turbulence can be scary, but it’s really nothing to fear. It is only the plane’s way of coping with with the changing air patterns in the sky.
7. Make yourself as comfortable as possible
Similar to the first tip, the area around you should also be comfortable. Being on a plane can make you feel claustrophobic, but you can always work around it by bringing a few things to make you feel relaxed – a throw blanket, or a pillow, for example.
8. Talk to someone
One of the best ways to distract yourself when you’re flying is to talk to someone. It’s perfectly normal to start up a conversation with anyone in your flight, so just put on a smile and say “Hi”.
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