By Sarah Curless
If, like me, you have a dream of travelling the world, there’s one obstacle that you cannot avoid. The dreaded flying.
For some lucky individuals, It is an exhilarating experience. But for the rest of us, it is a necessary evil at best.
If you fall into the latter category, fear not! From one anxious flyer to another, I’ve compiled a list of foolproof strategies to make the process a little less intimidating.
1. People Watch
It’s one thing to know that an estimated 100,000 planes land safely every day, or that air travel is the safest mode of transport according to the National Safety Council. But, when you’re about to put your life in the hands of a piece of metal in the sky, all the facts and figures can go out of the window.
Moments like these are what make us forget just how normal flying is. So why not see it for yourself?
One thing that never fails to put my mind at ease before a flight is to simply just observe. Airports are jam-packed with diversity, with people of all ages and backgrounds flying for a whole host of different reasons. But what do they all share in common? They’re safe.
In fact, 9 times out of 10, you won’t see people freaking out, but rather just going about their daily lives. From laughing with friends, enjoying a pre-flight meal or just scrolling on their phone, nothing appears out of the ordinary.
That’s because for millions of people, flying is just a normal part of life. Seeing this right in front of you can be more reassuring than any statistic, and really puts your fear into perspective.
2. Educate Yourself
If there’s one skill our minds excel in, it’s catastrophising. Since we’ve evolved from cavemen, we’re practically wired to be on constant alert for danger.
But how can the prehistoric fear of lions and the modern fear of flying be linked? The unknown!
It’s no surprise that your mind can enter fight or flight when you feel a sudden jolt or hear an unexpected noise.
But what if it didn’t need to be unfamiliar? The advantage that we have over cavemen is the access to an abundance of information at the click of a button.
So why not educate yourself about the workings of a plane beforehand rather than figuring it out in your most vulnerable state? Having this preconceived knowledge allows you to enter the flight with confidence and those sounds and sensations will no longer come as a surprise.
If money is no object. you could even visit a flight simulator at a location like Deck 747 where you can learn about the specifics of piloting a plane.
3. Meditate
I’m sure anxious flyers agree that we would love nothing more than to shut off our mind for a few hours and return when the flight is over.
Whilst I can’t say I’ve discovered the ground breaking technology to turn off your mind, I do in fact have the closest alternative.
If you wish to give it a chance, you’d be surprised at how a good, guided meditation can take your mind elsewhere.
Lucky for you, it’s never been easier to find a whole host of free resources across the internet, with some even designed especially for flights.
Our hearts are prone to racing at a million miles an hour in the face of danger, but I think we can all agree that this only heightens our anxiety. As difficult as it may be, slowing down and focusing on your breathing is automatically guaranteed to make you feel even slightly more at ease.
Not only is it scientifically proven to soothe you, It can act as your own little safety bubble despite the unfamiliar circumstances around you.
Who knows, If you’re fortunate enough, it may even send you off to sleep for a little while!
4. Distract Yourself
I know, you’re probably rolling your eyes at this one. It sounds so simple on paper but can be much easier said than done. How can you possibly distract yourself when you’re 36,000 feet in the air?
It’s simple, you need to fully immerse yourself. No, I’m not talking half-heartedly scanning the page of a book whilst your mind wanders elsewhere, but choosing activities that require your full attention.
We all have those hobbies that we can lose ourselves in, so much so that we fail to notice the time that has flown by. These can vary widely from person to person, so take a moment to consider yours.
It could be absolutely anything from a video game to a podcast, the possibilities are endless. The key is to find what distracts your mind the best, whether that be problem solving or rewatching a comfort show for the millionth time.
Bonus points if you have a travel partner with you, as sharing these moments with someone else gives your mind even less room to wander.
5. Communicate Your Feelings
It’s no secret that flying can be a daunting experience. But you know what makes the process even more unbearable? Suffering in silence!
Although it may seem like an uncomfortable and vulnerable position to be in, reaching out for support can be the most effective way to ease your mind.
Our brains have the power to convince us that we are in grave danger, but often when those huge and heavy thoughts are voiced aloud they start to feel small and insignificant.
Be it having a travel buddy to support you through the process, or notifying a member of staff, human connection really is key.
It’s the staff members’ job to ensure that you’re well looked after, so don’t be afraid to notify them about any worries. In fact, they’re probably the most experienced and knowledgeable out of everyone, so if they tell you that you’re safe, they know what they’re talking about!
9 times out of 10, you’ll realise that those irrational fears are nothing to worry about. But how would you know unless you ask?
6. Remember Your Why
If you’ve made it this far, there must be at least one factor that motivates you to push past the anxiety. I’m assuming not many of us would want to be stuck in the air for 5 hours just for the fun of it.
So, why are you considering it? What is pushing you towards buying that ticket? It must be something significant, otherwise, I’m sure we’d all opt for the car.
When you’re faced with those challenging moments, it’s important to stay connected to that reason.
The best way to do this is by having tangible reminders. This could be anything from lists, Pinterest boards or music that reminds you of your destination.
Not only do these reminders motivate you to push forward, but who knows, they may even get you excited for what lies ahead.
It’s extremely rare to meet someone completely unfazed by flying. It’s an experience that can feel unnatural for most humans, and there is no shame in feeling unnerved.
However, it’s how you handle those emotions that makes all the difference. Sitting with your fear is the only way to combat it, and simply reading this article shows that you’re taking steps to do just that.
Hopefully some of these tips have prepared you for your next adventure.
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