Overcoming Fear of Flying
Does the thought of flying or getting into an aircraft fill with you fear? Well fear not as you aren't alone and YTH has put together some great advice to help you face your fear of flying.
Introduction to fear of flying
Books have been dedicated to the subject of fear or flying (or aviophobia and aerophobia) and is a huge topic to cover in one article. Fear of flying is very often assisted by other influences such as not understanding how a plane flies, fatigue while on board, anxiety about your destination and the feeling of being trapped on a plane.
Is flying dangerous?
This is the question asked a million times over and the simple answer to this question is no! In research backed up by over 50 years of statistic, flying is seen as 25 times safer than driving a motor vehicle. 25 times safer! It is really worth remembering this when you are on a long haul flight and going through some heavy turbulance!
I am still a nervous flying even though I am aware it's safe!
OK, well talking through your fear with another person can help but listed below are steps you can take to face your fear of flying.
- Breathing. Yes by breathing slowly and avoiding shallow breathes can help tremendously against the physical symptons of anxiety, which is often brought on by aerophobia.
- Try and focus on the destination you are going to. A good way is to bring along a gude book and imagining yourself there, lying on a beach, exploring temples etc. This will help take your mind off the flight itself.
- Turbulence! Do not worry when you feel turbulence! Do you worry when you are on a boat when the waves moves the boat around. That's whats happening on a flight except the waves are air not water. Modern aircrafts can handle turbulence no problem, just like boats can handle rough seas.
- Distraction is good on the plane. Try and bring a personal music player, watch the movies or even bring a laptop. Anything to take your mind off flying.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. If you turn up late you will more likely be stressed and that won't help any flying anxiety!
Finally if you are travelling alone then consider letting the cabin crew know you are anxious about flying. They will then keep an eye out for you.
Remember that flying is safe and enjoy the flight!