For many, the only distress that is felt concerning flying is getting the bags packed and arriving at the airport on time. However, there are others who are more distressed over the actual flight. Several studies have found that up to 40 percent of people have some degree of anxiety about flying. For those individuals who experience fear of flying, here are 6 tips that are designed to help you overcome your fears or at least better manage them.
1. Arrive early: If you are already feeling anxious about flying, it will be easier to calm yourself if you are not experiencing more of the same because you are running late for your departure time. It will help to make your flying experience less stressful if you arrive a couple of hours before the scheduled departure time. This is particularly helpful if you are leaving from a very busy airport. By arriving early, you will have plenty of time to get through the process of getting your tickets and checking your baggage as well as going through security.
2. Relax in the Airport Lounge: If you have access to the VIP lounge take some time to relax in the comfortable environment that is provided for you there. You will be able to get away from all the busyness of the airport that way. Business class flyers already have access, but if you do not it might be worth paying around $50 for this privilege to de-stress and reduce your anxiety before boarding.
3. Select an Aisle Seat: If you are prone to claustrophobia, this will help to alleviate those concerns. You will have more freedom to move around the plane once it has reached altitude. If possible, choose a seat that coincides with the emergency exits on the side of your plane. Typically, there is extra leg room and you may even get a feeling of pride from sitting where you can be of assistance to others if the need should occur.
4. Bring a Distraction: Some studies that have been performed show that just by bringing something along to distract from the actual flight may help to reduce your anxiety. Many people bring along a favorite book or magazine and that qualifies as a distraction, but experts also suggest that something new and different may be more helpful. A new CD with a group of songs that you are not familiar with, some work that needs completing on your computer or an audio book are great ideas.
5. Preparation: Being prepared is one of the most important things you can do when you are afraid of flying. You do not want to have to worry about being uncomfortable, hungry or tired. Wear clothes that are loose-fitting and shoes that are easily removes for going through security. It is simple enough to change clothes in the airport restroom if you are meeting someone important immediately following your flight. Bring along some snacks if you feel you will need them, and a small blanket and travel pillow along with an eye mask are helpful if you are going to be taking a nap while in flight.
6. Above all relax: Yes, it is easy to say that you should do everything you can to relax if you have a fear of flying, but that is the key to getting through the flight. Mind and body relaxing techniques and activities such as yoga, meditation and even hypnotherapy have been known to provide dramatic and effective results. Remember, the chance of anything going wrong during the flight is almost non-existent. The fact is that there is more chance of having a traffic accident on the highway than being involved in one while flying. The pilots are well-trained and that includes training in how to handle emergency situations.
As with most other fearful situations, fear is generally greater than the actual chances of a dangerous situation presenting itself. For this reason, it is recommended that you face your fears rather than letting them control your life. If there is only one tip that could be imparted at this time, this one would be the most important. However, it is also the hardest to address.
The common reaction when we see someone in distress is to offer comfort and to help them move away from the source of their discomfort. This is the wrong approach to take when it concerns most fears even though it is natural. Facing fears head-on is the only way to get past them and move on.
Author:
David Samson is a member of the General Hypnotherapy Register. He holds a Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy London treatments and is accredited by the National Regulatory Register for Hypnotherapy.
He has acted as an Advisor to ITV Television, London Talk Radio, LBC Radio, BBC Radio London, BBC Radio 2 and Talk Radio Europe. His work has been featured in The Times, The Telegraph, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and the Evening Standard.
Visit http://www.davidsamson.co.uk/hypnosis%20for%20fear%20of%20flying.htm if you are interested in using Hypnotherapy to overcome your Fear of Flying, effectively and permanently.
Or call David Now 020 8201 0618. Initial 30 min consultation is Free.
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