It is estimated that more than 25 million Americans have some fear of airplanes, so if you’re looking for ways to cope if you’re a nervous flyer, you are not alone. Aerophobia is no fun and you’re still nervous of getting on a plane, even though you hear all the time that flying is the safest form of transport. If you don't want to succumb totally to your fear and never get on a plane, there are some ways to cope if you’re a nervous flyer.
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1. Conquer What if …
One of the major causes of anxiety of all forms is the constant imagining of “what if” scenarios. Much of this can be driven by lack of knowledge. When I first flew, one of the scariest things was the noises the airplane made. There are all sorts of noises on take-off, in-flight and on landing, and they can be quite alarming if you don’t know what they are. One of the ways to cope if you’re a nervous flyer is to familiarize yourself with the sounds you can reasonably expect to hear. If nothing else, it will stop you jumping and your nerves jangling every time you hear something. There’s some helpful info here flyingwithoutfear.com
2. Share Your Problem
There’s no need to be ashamed of being anxious about flying. Get support from who you’re traveling with – let them know what bothers you most and they can help you through it. Think about what would distract you most and engage their help. Also, talk to your cabin crew. Let them know your fears and they will be extra attentive to you.
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3. Pay Attention to the Safety Information
While the other passengers are not watching the cabin crew demonstration and ignoring the safety leaflet, you should be paying full attention. Frequent and comfortable flyers can ignore it because they’ve heard it all before and have confidence that the procedures are the best they can be at looking out for you. Be empowered by these procedures rather than be scared or worry that they exist for a reason.
4. Breathe
Experts tell us that deep breathing triggers the calming response. Breathing right will help you prepare for takeoff and landing. Do not grip the arm rests! Instead, relax your position and breathe normally. If you feel your breathing quickening due to anxiety, hold your breath then begin deep breathing. Hold each inhale and exhale for as long as you can until you feel your heart beat stop racing and settle down.
5. Eyes on the Prize
Motivation is a powerful tool. You’ve gotten on that airplane for a reason. You’ve already conquered some of your fear by even getting that far. This is why focusing on the purpose of your trip and your destination can ease the fear of flying. Take your mind off the things you’re anxious about and keep your mind on your destination. If it helps, have a picture of it tucked into the back of the seat in front of you.
6. Distraction
It’s easy for someone to tell you to relax. It’s hard to do so when you’re being alert for every little thing that is making you nervous. You need to find yourself in a comfortable place and that is where distraction comes in. Many people pick up the latest bestseller at the airport, but this is a time familiarity helps. Start an engrossing book before you leave for your trip so you can lose yourself in it during the flight. Or, thanks to airlines now providing many on-board entertainment options, make use of the TV - tune into something you already now rather than a new movie. Anything that evokes familiarity and comfort is best.
7. Relaxants
There’s no need to feel embarrassed that you can’t do it alone. If you need a little help to as the fear of flying so be it. BUT, only use them as a last resort. You’ll feel much stronger knowing your conquered the anxiety through your own resolve. There are remedies your doctor can prescribe or there are OTC herbal remedies, including relaxing teas such as chamomile. Do not resort to alcohol or caffeine. You don’t want to be fighting dehydration as well as all the other nerve-jangling factors. Drink plenty of water.
There’s only one person in control of how calm you feel when you fly – YOU! Flight anxiety is something that can be conquered if you tackle it rather than let it overwhelm you.
Are you a confident or nervous flyer? If you’re nervous how do you keep calm?
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