Fear of Flying? 7 Tips for the Nervous Flier

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I fly all the time and I’m still a nervous flier, but I refuse to allow my anxiety and fear of flying to control me and prevent me from seeing the world (and furthering my career). Here are some calming techniques I utilize:

1. IDENTIFY YOUR FEAR

Is it the fear of crashing? Terrorism? Claustrophobia? I like facts and statistics and I have learned to comfort myself by consuming tons of favorable information. For example, a plane’s wings can bend almost in half without breaking. Take solace in knowing a plane can fly on only one engine should the second one fail; it can glide safely for quite a long time without an engine at all. You stand a greater chance of being bitten by a shark than being the victim of terrorism. You get the drift.

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2. INVEST IN YOUR COMFORT

Depending on your budget, you may be able to purchase amenities and services that can relax you pre- and in-flight. A plush eye mask, high-quality, noise-blocking earbuds, a cashmere blanket–little luxuries like this can be lifesavers especially on long-haul flights. If you are able to, try to get a comfortable seat; this might mean you have to pay for an upgrade or, better yet, first or premium class. An upgrade can go a long way in easing nerves and making your flight an enjoyable one.

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3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

I get antsy on flights longer than 4 hours so I break my flight into segments by watching movies (comedies work best) to try to overcome my fear of flying. For example, if my flight is 8 hours, I estimate that’s about 4 movies. That number is easier for me to digest than thinking of 8 long hours in the sky.

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4. BRING A SUPPORT ITEM

Do you have a favorite blanket? Scarf? Picture? I bring komboloi (worry beads) I bought in Greece years ago. Most people who are afraid to fly fear the unknown. Having something familiar is comforting.

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5. STAY CLEAR-HEADED

Avoid medications that make you drowsy (unless absolutely necessary) and alcohol. Liquor sometimes makes anxiety worse. Don’t let your onboard freak-out be the reason the captain has to make an emergency landing.
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6. VISUALIZE YOUR DESTINATION

Think about how awesome that first bowl of ramen’s going to be when you land in Japan, how you can’t wait to cuddle that baby koala in Australia, or cruise down the Seine in Paris. Picture yourself arriving safely and will it into existence.
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7. KEEP A PEN AND PAPER HANDY

In the event you experience turbulence during your flight (which is the thing I hate the most), take out a pen and paper and–using your non-dominant hand–start writing  your name again and again. Because it’s not the hand you normally write with, the task will require more concentration and will provide distraction.
Most importantly, live your life and go! The world is too big and beautiful to live in fear.

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