Here are a series of guidelines and techniques that can help you prepare for a flight and overcome panic before and during the flight.
So you already booked your flight tickets with FlightHub and are looking to prepare yourself for the flight even though you’ve had negative experiences in the past? Sweating, stress, palpitations, dizziness, panic attacks… These are some of the symptoms that some people experience when it’s time to fly. At the gates of the Christmas holidays, these days there will be many who will take advantage of the holidays to travel to different unique destinations. For some of those who do it by plane, the experience will not be pleasant. And that is because of the fear of flying is one of the most frequent phobias. Traumas or insecurities are among the causes of the so-called aerophobia, intense and irrational fear of flying or airplanes. It is a phobia that is suffered by between 15% to 30% of the population.
Although overcoming these types of phobias is a complicated task and in many cases requires professional help, it is possible to follow a series of guidelines to make the trance of catching a plane more bearable. Psychologists warn that each patient is different, but they provide some recommendations so that people who are going to fly can do so in a more relaxed way.
Choose your seat
As much as possible choose your seat in the hallway and avoid being by the window, where the fear of flying can be joined by a certain feeling of vertigo. If you book well in advance, you will have the possibility to choose the place where you sit. This can be beneficial both because seats far from the windows are better and allow you more space but also because it gives you a sense of control, instead of leaving your seat position up to fate. This can reinforce your constitution during the day.
Look for distractions
Take advantage of the flight to do activities that you like. For example, you can take the opportunity to read a magazine about some topic that you find pleasant or you can listen to your favorite band. If you turn to music, you should know that songs with a slow tempo similar to the heartbeat will help you relax. Another possibility is to talk to the person sitting next to you on the plane. Everything is valid except focusing on looking for possible abnormalities (airplane noises, crew movements etc).
Use relaxation techniques
Take a deep breath and get comfortable in the airplane seat. There are many exercises and breathing techniques that exist to calm the nerves and ultimately help you calm down. Put them into practice and you will see how you will be able to drastically reduce anxiety levels.
Take care of your wardrobe
Try to avoid tight clothes. Instead, wear comfortable and baggy clothes. They will make you feel better and you will be more comfortable in the reduced space with the seats of the planes.
Be careful about what you eat or drink
It is not advisable to resort to alcohol intake, as it is a substance that can cause even more anxiety. Energy drinks are also a bad idea, in addition to coffees and teas, since they can increase adrenaline levels. Excess food is not a good idea either. As for the use of medicine, this option should only be used under medical supervision.
Prepare for the flight from home
Although logically it is not the same, you can resort to reproduce in your house what you will live on the plane. Sit in an armchair and try to behave as you would on the plane. You can look for distractions, such as listening to music or performing a crossword puzzle.
Arrive in time at the airport
In order to familiarize yourself with everything that will come during the flight, try to arrive in advance to the airport. In this way you will become familiar with the environment that you will find during the flight and you will be able to reach the plane more calmly. In this sense, if you suffer from aerophobia it is not a good idea to wait until the last moment to get to the airport and get in a hurry to the plane.
Eliminate negative thoughts
Let yourself be carried away by the calm. Trust the crew and follow their instructions. Ask them any questions you have about the phases of the flight and, above all, do not let negative thoughts or fears hold you down or lead you to a panic situation.
Research the technical aspects of the plane
It is one of the safest means of transport and you should know it. Learn about how airplanes work and the strict controls and revisions to which all aircrafts are subjected. This can help you feel more secure. In addition, you can also investigate the complexity of the training process to which the crew members are subjected. Convince yourself that you are in the best hands.
Travel accompanied
If you have this possibility, traveling in company can be a relief, since in this way the person suffering from aerophobia will not feel alone and can share their thoughts with someone. Traveling with a friend or family member is a good way to get distracted. Just make sure you don’t travel with someone who also suffers from the same phobia, as this can multiply its effect.
If none of these recommendations work and for personal reasons you are obliged to frequently take a plane, the best option is to put yourself in the hands of a professional. In this case, there are courses that combine support from psychologists with technical information about airplanes that are one of the best options to combat the fear of flying. Regardless of which path you choose, do it confidently and you will be fine. Traveling is an incredible activity and planes make it easier than ever. Give them a chance
