Knowing how to manage your fear of flying and reduce your anxiety about flying is very important for anyone who wants to travel.
Flying can be a nerve-wracking experience for many, but these fears can be limiting and uncomfortable. Knowing the best way to relieve stress is very important for those who want to travel.
7 ways to ease flight anxiety
1 – Identify anxiety triggers
Identifying the cause of flight anxiety is key to effectively alleviating these feelings. By doing this, you can begin to rationalize your fears and assess whether they are unreasonable or unnecessary. You can also prepare for these sensations in advance, such as the sensation of turbulence.
2 – Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises are an effective way to calm the mind and body. Practice a few different techniques in the days leading up to your flight to find what works best for you. Box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, etc.) and regular deep breaths are a good place to start.
3 – Understand safety measures
It’s important to note that all airlines, from Lufthansa to JAL, have strict and thorough safety measures in place to ensure the smoothest possible flight. Familiarize yourself with the airline’s passenger safety procedures before you fly. Also, listen as the attendants give a pre-flight demonstration to get you ready for the journey ahead.
4 – Book your seats accordingly
Some airlines offer the option of randomly assigning seats for free, or you can choose your own seats for an additional fee. Paying a few extra bucks can be a good investment if you need to sit with a group or know you need a window seat. You may also prefer a rear-facing seat so that you can access the
5 – Be aware of what you eat and drink
Drinking alcoholic beverages may seem like a good option to calm your nerves, but this can backfire. It’s also best to avoid caffeine if you’re an anxious flyer. To relax, choose a calming drink such as chamomile or peppermint his tea, or just water. Grab a snack to calm your stomach before your flight. But don’t overeat.
6 – Distract
This is a good way to help get your flight through quickly. Some planes have TVs with movies to help distract you on long flights. If not, we also recommend downloading music and movies to your phone or tablet. Make sure they are downloaded so you can watch them offline.
7 – Find comfort
Some people think that visualizing a safe space is a good way to relax. Pack some home comforts in your hand luggage. Perhaps a cushion or blanket that you know helps you calm down. A familiar scent might be nice, but is there a calming scent? Pack a small amount of this scent, or an item with the same scent. This allows you to step into that safe space.
Travel experts recommend figuring out what’s causing your anxiety first. By identifying these triggers, we can rationalize them.Airlines take strict precautions to ensure flights run smoothly and safely, and try to accommodate passengers on comfortable flights. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the airline prior to booking to confirm which seat best suits your needs.
Distraction is also a good way to distract your mind from thoughts that cause anxiety. Bring music, movies, and books to keep your mind occupied throughout the flight. If you want the comfort of home, try packing something that smells like home. Perhaps it’s the cushions or clothing that share that familiar smell.
It’s important to remember that the chances of anything going wrong or your flight going wrong are extremely low and extensive measures have been taken to prevent catastrophic events. If this is a major concern, familiarize yourself with different noises such as takeoff, turbulence, and luggage to ease your anxiety during the flight.
