If flying is the safest mode of transportation available, why do so many people have a fear of flying? Even though it doesn’t feel like it, you’re so ridiculously safe on a plane. Personally I’m that sweaty-palmed anxious flyer that gets freaked out over small bumps and noises. I get so nervous flying, that at times the fear itself deters me from traveling. There was a time my flight from Minneapolis was canceled, and we weren’t able to make it to Florida for the weekend. When I got the news, I was actually relieved. When you live in Minnesota and a trip to sunny Florida gets canceled. That’s not something you would be excited about in the middle of our cold winters. While I am still no where near an “expert” flyer, I have compiled some tips to help you deal with flight anxiety.
I knew the stats! Your odds of dying in a plane crash are roughly one in 11 million. Where your odds of dying in a car crash are one in 5,000! Ninety-six per cent of plane crash passengers survived. I’ve memorized it all. But these facts never really helped me while I was up in the air, because I was still convinced the plane I was on was the one that was heading down. Unfortunately, anxiety doesn’t listen to logic or reason. While you’re sitting on a flight and freaking out about how dangerous it feels, you’re pretty much in the safest place you could possibly be. Safer than crossing the street, taking a bath, playing a video game, or walking down the stairs. So while this does not help everyone, do some research on the facts of flying.
This may seem like a no brainer, but keep yourself busy! These days, this is getting a lot easier. The majority of airlines offer some sort of entertainment on flights. Whether it be movies, music, games, etc. Some airlines are even streaming live television. Whatever it may be, just keep your self busy. The majority of flights only last a few hours. Settle in and watch a movie, and before you know it you’ll be at your destination. You could also try out the different anxiety apps. There is SO many out there. Find a few you like, and download them prior to your trip. I have even seen them on some of the seat back monitors provided by certain airlines!
Podcasts are another thing growing in popularity these days. You can download the ones you want prior to the flight, and have plenty of conversations to distract yourself while in the air. This way you can keep your mind nice and busy, with out stressing out as much. You can also download Netflix movies and shows ahead of time too. That way you can have your favorite show or movie, handy ahead of time. You can also save some money by not having to purchase movies and shows.
While this could go both ways, you should probably stay away from certain foods and drinks. Stimulants heighten anxiety, and may actually make your anxiety worse. These are you coffees, sugars, and even alcohol. Alcohol is where I say things can go both ways. Some people need that couple of alcoholic beverages before their flights, in order to ease their nerves. Personally I think it helps myself with anxiety medication that I use (COMPLETELY NOT MEDICALLY RECOMMENDED).
Please try and learn more about flying. I’m one of those people that are comforted with facts. I could spit out more facts than most concerning flying. While it comforts me, it still doesn’t always help. The biggest thing I’ve done that has helped, is I literally spoke with a pilot. Lucky me, I met one and unloaded all my questions onto him. They can go into detail on the amount of training and the structure of the plane. They may also be able to explain there job, and just how things work in the cockpit. Learning more about flying on a personal level can really help ease you mind, by hearing things from an insiders point of view.
Where should you sit on a plane? While first class may have the comfiest seats and best service. The cost is out of the budget for the majority of people. It also is not the best seats for handling turbulence. If you sit over the wings, you will actually experience the least amount of discomfort. This is because the wings are the axis of the plane, and the plane will move and bend throughout the flight. So if you want the smoothest flight, opt for seating over the wings. Plus if you are able, the emergency exit row has more leg room. Which may give you more room to spread out, and make yourself more comfortable. A lot of the time if you are one of the last people to check in, these seats can be fairly cheap if no one has purchased them yet.
Watch and talk with the flight attendants. The flight attendants are professionals when it comes to flying. They are trained for all types of situations, and know when something isn’t right. Often when I let my mind wonder, I will look at the flight attendants. As I sit and watch their calm demeanor, I know there is nothing I need to be worried about. They are also someone you can notify if you are a bad flyer. They know tips, and can make your flight more comfortable.
Essential oils have been coming super popular lately. Some natural calming oils include Lavender and Eucalyptus. But honestly pick up whatever you prefer! There are some made just to relieve anxiety and calm people down! So find out what works best for you and keep it in your carry on! You could also dab some essential oils around your area, but just be mindful of the people around you.
Preparing your space may sound so simple, but really can make a load of difference! While airlines clean before each flight, we all know that that doesn’t mean it gets done to everyone’s liking. I try to always bring disinfecting wipes on all of my flights. The first thing I do is wipe down everything around me. Especially if it is a long flight. Even if it looks clean, it gives me a better state of mind. I usually always try and have some sort of blanket and pillow with. During longer flights, airlines will offer you a blanket as well. I usually try and grab as many of these as I can, to line the bottom of my seat. If possible I try and grab the window seat, in order to give me something to lean on when I sleep. Make yourself comfortable! To me this is common sense, but DO NOT dress to impress. Wear something loose and comfortable. Make sure you test out different pillows because there is a million different shapes and sizes.
Sleep masks are something that have grown on me over the past few years. Especially for longer flights. I don’t sleep well with distractions, and there is CONSTANTLY distractions on any flight. A lot of airlines are now providing cheap sleeping masks for international flights. But getting your own can really help you sleep. They even have some that don’t touch your eye lids. Something to look into, especially if you need it to be completely dark to sleep.
Now this concept can be different for anyone, but different anxiety medication and sleeping aids can work wonders! Personally, I am such a bad flyer that I went in to get a prescription. I take Ativan before any flight. It’s essentially a slow reacting version of Xanax, that lasts longer. Doctors are often hesitant about prescribing it since that have addicting qualities to it. I ended up making my prescription lasting a lot longer than it was supposed to. So the doctor did not have any issues with refilling it. There is certain medication’s that have reputations for blackouts. This often includes medications like Ambien. The only downside to this, is shorter flights or if you needed to be re-routed. It would be awfully hard to sort things out in a haze of medication. If you don’t need this much medication, you could try something over the counter. These options are perfect if you just need something to make you more tired. Over-the-counter pills like Dramamine or Tylenol Sleep. Or if you wanted something a bit more natural, you could opt for melatonin or Lavender oil.
