How I learned to cope with my fear of flying 😱 🛫

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash

There's an amazing world out there! But many times, you have to fly to get where you want to be.

Are you afraid of flying?

I know what it's like! For many years, I avoided flying because it made me extremely anxious.

Over time, I found some strategies that helped me manage my fear. As a result, I've been able to travel for work and pleasure, and I've had lots of fun and new experiences.

Is your fear of flying holding you back from living your best life?

Learn ways to cope with the fearso you can enjoy travel to its fullest.

Fear of flying is quite common, affecting 10-25% of the population.

It's a specific phobia, an intense fear that's disproportionate to the actual danger. For example, you may know and believe that flying is the safest form of transportation, but you're still convinced that your plane is unsafe.

Even Marge Simpson needs help!

To cope with it and even overcome it, you literally have to face the fear because:

• Avoidance keeps your phobia alive and intense.

• Exposure to the triggers that make you anxious can help you cope.

Esme

Esme was just offered a work promotion. It's pretty much her dream job, but the new position will require monthly travel. Esme isn't sure if she should accept the job because she's afraid to fly so often.

Garth

Garth is a college student and his university offers a study abroad program. He really wants to study in Europe and travel to various countries on weekends, but the flying involved makes him nervous.

Mia

Mia's sister lives 3,000 miles away and just had a baby. She's an aunt! Yay! 👶 Mia wants to be able to see her new nephew as often as possible, but the thought of flying scares her.

Let's help them cope with fear of flying and live their best lives!

It's true!

For many people (including me!), even the anticipation of flying can cause anxiety. One thing I did to help ease my fears was to research reassuring facts about airplanes and air travel.

Some of the things I looked into were:

• What are all those noises the plane engine makes?

• What do the beeping tones mean?

• What keeps a plane from falling out of the sky?

• What causes turbulence?

• What type of training do pilots undergo?

Knowing the answers to these types of questions helped me feel more confident when flying. When anxiety or unrealistic thinking started to kick in, I was able to reassure myself with factual information.

Making intentional choices about my flights made a big difference in helping me cope with my fear of flying. For example, I feel safer sitting in the front of the plane, so I realized that I'm willing to pay a little extra in order to select my seat ahead of time.

Try strategies like these:

• If you get nervous about booking your flight like I did, ask a travel agent or friend to book it for you.

• Select non-stop flights or layovers, depending on which makes you more comfortable.

• Try a short flight before you attempt a longer one.

• Choose an amazing destination that you've always wanted to visit.

• Take any other steps that help you feel more in control.

Garth's Study Abroad Opportunity

One of the things that makes Garth nervous about traveling abroad is the long plane trip over the ocean. He wants to feel less anxious during the flight.

Lots of people get nervous taking off or landing. Personally I love the landing part — it's the time up in the air that frightens me. 🤣

I've found some strategies that really help me manage my fear during the flight. Once, I even found myself reassuring my seatmate during turbulence!

• Learn mindfulness and breathing techniques before you fly. They'll help you prepare and will come in handy if you start to panic.

• Listen to music during the flight. It helps block out noise and distracts you.

• Bring a book, tablet, magazines, or crossword puzzles on board to keep your mind occupied.

• Pray or meditate to help alleviate your worries.

• Find an app that promotes calmness and use it during your flight.

Esme's New Job

Esme accepted the promotion and she loves her new job! She needs to fly once a month. She has identified one of her triggers: she gets particularly nervous when she's at the airport waiting for her flight.

At first, I felt embarrassed to tell people about my fear of flying. But the more I talked about it, the more it helped. You might also find that some of these strategies help:

• Enroll in a course for fearful flyers. Some in-person groups meet at airports, while other courses can be found online.

• Talk with a member of the crew. Flight attendants are trained to respond to nervous flyers.

• Talk with a doctor about medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.

• Travel with friends who understand your fear and will support you during the flight.

Mia's Long-Distance Nephew

Mia plans to travel the 3,000 miles to visit her new nephew but she's going alone and is extremely fearful.

I'm rooting for you!

Fear of flying is pretty common, but just like I did, you can cope with your fear and overcome it if you put in some effort.

You'll be so glad you conquered your fear because you'll be able to live life more fully!

Prepare for your next flight: