Steps To Ease Flying Anxiety
By: Cindy Medina
Aerophobia - the fear of flying - is a phobia affecting 6% of the U.S. population. While not everyone’s nerves may reach levels of phobia, many people deal with a significant amount of anxiety when flying. It should be known that the National Safety Security Council has said that the odds of dying in a car accident are significantly higher than that of passing on an airplane. In fact, there is not enough data to calculate the odds of dying on a plane! Nonetheless, we are not here to downplay the fact that your flying anxiety is real and absolutely valid. When flying, folks deal with several things that can trigger their anxiety, such as; fear of heights, enclosed spaces, turbulence, and dark thoughts related to airplane accidents. If you deal with any of this, know that you are not alone; many people deal with the same thing. While our mothers and abuelas may take out their rosarios to put their minds at ease during turbulence, you may consider taking out your mandala coloring book to ease your nerves.
Here are some more tips on how to ease your anxiety pre and during flying.
Identify Your Triggers
Figure out what about flying frightens you.
Identify points in the flying process that trigger your anxiety.
The goal is to identify your triggers beforehand in order to manage your fears when cortisol levels are low.
Fuel Up On Knowledge
Which aspects of flying make you nervous?
Is it turbulence? Fear of an accident?
Educate yourself about these topics.
Ex: Read up on airplanes and how they are designed to handle turbulence.
Repeat Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations you can repeat while you fly:
I am safe; all is well .
My fears are not realities.
Every day, millions of people fly around the world safely.
Turbulence is just like a pothole in the road.
I am a confident, relaxed traveler.
Distract Yourself
When we are using our rational, thinking side of our brain, our emotional brain calms down.Things you can try doing on a flight:
Reading a book
Crossword puzzles
Sudoku
Coloring
Mindfulness Apps
Before flying, download mindfulness apps that help to ease anxiety. Here is a list of our favorite apps:
Calm
Ten Percent Happier Meditation
Headspace: Mindful Meditation
Insight Timer
Aura
We hope you found these tips helpful!