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Although I deal with plenty of things that make me anxious, flying previously hasn’t been one of them. Unfortunately, a bad flight a few months ago totally changed that, and now flying brings me quite a lot of nerves.
Recently I flew down to Florida, and it was my first time dealing with some flying anxiety and trying to overcome it. I know I’m not the first person to deal with it, so I thought I’d share a few things that helped me get through the flight, even with turbulence throughout both the flight down and back. Also, I reached out on twitter before my flight for some tips and thought I’d share what other people do to deal with their anxiety as well!
Distractions
I knew I needed to distract myself and luckily Southwest provided some in-flight entertainment. I watched some shows that grabbed my attention and tried to just focus on the show. Bring headphones! Music personally wasn’t really enough of a distraction, but a show or movie helped me a lot. So look into if your flight offers any in-flight TV or movies you could watch, and if they don’t, download some ahead of time to have with you!
Deep Breathing
When the turbulence got to be really bad, my heart was seriously pounding. What helped me then was keeping my headphones in of the show but closed my eyes and tried to focus on my breathing. I took deep breaths in and out and held onto the armrests. I reminded myself that everything was going to be fine and people fly all the time. I counted my breaths. I think next time I will make sure to bring an eye mask.
Focus On People Around You
I kept watching the flight attendants who were just going about their business, even with the turbulence. I figure if something was really worth being concerned about, they would be freaking out as well. Same with all the people around me. No one was worried, people were laughing and chatting with the people around them. If something was actually wrong, it be obvious.
Advice From Twitter
Emmie from Carpe Diem Emmie
“I always download some films from Netflix that will last the duration of my flight, this really helps me feel more chilled and grabs my attention!”
Alice from Sincerely, Alice
“Take a natural pill like melatonin to keep calm on the flight and stay relaxed, hopefully get some sleep!”
Amanda from Real Mom Blog
“One thing that helps me is to listen to a guided meditation”
Sarah from Hobbyism
“Have everything prepared the day before and make a list of everything you have packed. That will prevent you pulling everything out of your bag to check that you have your charger.”
Jessica from Thoughts of Jessica
“I tend to download a movie or two on my iPad as watching and listening to something is a really good distraction as to what’s going on around you”
Erin from Cathedrals & Cafes
“A classical music playlist and a glass of wine help me. Also, just wrapping your arms around yourself in a hug, helps.”
Ally from You Are More
“I would say, be honest with people around you if you’re feeling anxious. It can take so much pressure off just giving yourself an “out” so you don’t feel alone. I was thankful to have amazing people around me. One switched seats with me just because sitting in an exit row made me feel anxious. Just the thought process of it. So I was honest, told the flight attendant, someone behind me switched with me and it gave me this relief of pressure. Honesty helps anxiety so much!”
Kady from Kady Curtis
“I don’t check any luggage and only utilize carryons (you get a lot more space than one might think) removing all these extra steps (checking in, worrying if it’s there, baggage retrieval, lost stuff) can make the actual flight more peaceful.”
Emma from Emma Langlands
“One tip is to plan, plan how your getting to airport, research gates and boarding times. Get there in plenty of time. And there is always someone to ask.”
Lauren from Reading, Writing, and Me
“Just remember that millions of people fly every day. I’ve gotten more anxious over the years, but I flew a lot as a kid and got used to it. Focus on where you’re going instead of the flying”
Kate from Have Diapers, Will Travel has a great post on dealing with a fear of flying while traveling with kids that can be read HERE
Do you have any tips for overcoming the fear of flying? Please leave a comment down below with your tips!
I have a problem with anxiety for 3 years. Everything started when my grandpa died. I started to lose breath and I was really scared. Other symptoms started to bother me too. I did not know what to do. But, then, I saw this text and everything changed! Thanks a lot.
How long have you been suffering from anxiety?
Anxiety can be so rough, I’m so glad to hear you’re doing better. I’ve had some form of anxiety my entire life, actually. My flying anxiety is very new though.