Planning a vacation or a business trip for most of us is enjoyable, a vacation especially. Travelling can be fun and often is, especially travelling by plane.
However, for a percentage of people, traveling by plane is something they fear and the fear of flying is no joke.
However, for a percentage of people, traveling by plane is something they fear and the fear of flying is no joke.
For some people, the fear of flying has been something that they have always had, for others it is something that has been brought on by aviation incident. I know of someone who was once a happy globetrotter but one incident of traumatic turbulence changed things forever. Today, this person only has to think of flying and they feel the fear. Flying in some cases is close to unavoidable, so how can one overcome or at least combat the fear of flying? Here are 4 simple tips to help overcome the fear of flying.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Many people think that a cup of coffee or glass of wine (or something stronger) will calm the nerves before flying. It does calm the nerves but does not help combat the fear of flying. If you have had a drink or two or have had a bit of a caffeine overdose you will feel downright dreadful on the plane and this makes things worse.Consider a herbal tea such as chamomile before a flight. This relaxes you and has no side-effects others than perhaps helping you snooze on your cruise in sky. On board avoid alcohol further, take a couple of chamomile teabags on board with you if you must to retain the relaxed state. And keep yourself hydrated.
Know what is going on with the plane: For many, the fear of flying is all part of not being in control. Doing a little research before you fly is a good thing. Do not watch something like Air Crash investigation but search for some things that will boost your confidence. Read up on what airline pilots do, read up on how safe your modern aircraft is. Maybe even watch the superb video "flying without fear" video from Virgin. Having knowledge about what is really going on really does help a nervous flyer.
Distract yourself: One superb way of overcoming your fear of flying is to keep your mind and yourself busy. Thankfully, modern aircraft are generally fitted with superb entertainment systems, especially on long haul flights. But on short haul roots, especially with budget airlines, this may not be so. In these cases bring some music to listen to, many airlines permit playback devices today or at the worst bring a good book. Striking up a conversation with the person next to you can also be a great way to take your mind off flying.
Understand that turbulence is normal: One of the biggest fears of flyers, even those who claim not to be afraid of flying, is turbulence. Modern aircraft can actually withstand a lot more turbulence than many imagine. Modern aircraft are tested to limits that few can imagine (see research). The trick with turbulence is to accept that it is part of flying and there are many other aircraft have a ride that is just as bumpy. Try telling yourself that this is just a gravel road not a highway and things are all going to be fine. Before you know it the bumpy patch will soon be over.
These are just 4 simple ways to help conquer your fear of flying. They are easy to do and simply require a little positive thinking. If you can embrace these 4 tips flying should be a little easier for you.
These are just 4 simple ways to help conquer your fear of flying. They are easy to do and simply require a little positive thinking. If you can embrace these 4 tips flying should be a little easier for you.
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