Different individuals experience different simulations for different circumstances. Our reactions to people, places and activities depend on our interests and fears. So, while some of us view flying as a normal activity like driving or walking, some people cannot imagine themselves being airborne. Flight fright affects up to 25% of the world’s population, and that is an overwhelmingly large number. Being travel advocates, we tried to compile a short list of tips and tricks that could help with aviophobia, just so that you could not miss out on the beauty this world holds.
Breathe and relax
All fears stem from or minds, therefore it is paramount to try and calm our thoughts to decrease anxiety levels. Deep breathing is one of the easiest ways to release fearful feelings from the body. If you find yourself getting bad thoughts and cold feet, close your eyes and count numbers in random order. The mind cannot fear and count incorrectly at the same time. Try listening to music if that helps soothe you as well.
Get comfortable
You cannot relax if you are not comfortable. Therefore, once you are on the plane, make yourself as comfortable as possible. Adjust your seat to a position you can easily sleep in. Put a pillow behind our head or back. Remove your shoes if that helps. Get some water to sip and bring yourself to calmness.
Have a familiar face or object
If you are flying for the first time and you suffer from flight fright, it helps a great deal to have a travel buddy. This can be a friend, loved one or family member who you feel safe with. Having them around gives your mind a sense of protection and company which is good for relaxation. If for some reason you have to fly alone, then bring with you a comfort item. This can be anything from a journal, a favourite sweater, a pendant or anything else.
Stay away from windows
We know that window seats are always the preferred option for our travellers. However, in this case, make sure you stay away from them. If you are afraid of being airborne, having a view so many feet upwards will only worsen things. Do not lookout for any reason. Otherwise, you might end up feeling dizzy, sweaty, and anxious, getting nausea or even passing out.
Distract Yourself
Another way to get your head from overthinking is via doing something unrelated to flying. You can read a book, play a game on your phone, listen to music or even make conversation with your seatmates. In fact, a good conversation can help you work through your fears and even find healthy coping mechanisms.
Apply Logic
You know how you go to school, read about something and use that knowledge henceforth? Ever tried doing the same to combat your flight fright? If not, you should try to get the statistics surrounding flying. You will find out that approximately 8 million people travel by flight in a day. You will also learn that only 1 in 3 million flights get into a fatal accident. In fact of all modes of transportation, air travel is the fastest and safest. So you should not have any worries whatsoever!
Let the Cabin Crew Know
You might think that it is embarrassing for an adult to be afraid of flying, but as mentioned in part one, almost 25% of the world population also suffers from aviophobia. That means that there are 2 billion people in the world just like you. So telling the cabin crew about your condition should not be too hard. Once they are in the loop of things, they will do their best to make your flight as comfortable as possible. The checkups and extra help will go a long way in making you feel better and safer.
Anxiety Medication
If push comes to shove, then you can get some medicine from your physician before flying. They will prescribe medication meant to help with relaxation and the anxiety that comes with flying. However, you should know that using anxiety medication frequently might work but may also turn into a crutch that will render you helpless in their absence. That is why we recommend the above treatments first before resulting in medicine.
