The practice of air travel delivers enthusiasm to many people even though it creates worry and tension for numerous passengers. The experience of pre-flight and flight-time nerves affects many travelers who find themselves in a similar situation. Certain effective methods exist which can help you control your flight anxiety so you achieve a calmer flying experience.

What Causes Flight Anxiety?

Flight anxiety emerges due to different elements which include:

1. The sudden unpredictable moving of the plane creates feelings of discomfort in passengers.
2. Hours in an enclosed space produce feelings of claustrophobia for many people.
3. Not being able to maintain control over the plane produces distressful emotions for anxious travelers.
4. Ineptitude from prior sinful flight encounters can intensify flight-related anxiety.
5. Although flying remains one of the most secure means of transportation some passengers continue to fear airplanes will crash.

How to Manage Flight Anxiety Effectively

1. Educate Yourself About Air Travel

Knowledge regarding airplane operation principles alongside an understanding of typical turbulence events will help you feel more at ease. Knowledge about the superior training level of pilots and crew members can bring solace when in the skies.

2. Practice Deep Breathing Techniques

Launching the 4-7-8 breathing method that involves four-second inhalations followed by seven-second holds and eight-second exhalations can bring nervous system relaxation and anxiety decrease.

3. Use Distractions

Constant mental stimulation results in a lack of focus on anxious thoughts. Travel with a companion for casual chats or consume entertainment such as reading books or listening to relaxing music or watching movies.

4. Choose the Right Seat

People who dislike turbulence should select a seat situated above the wings because this location provides lower flight disturbance. You should select an aisle seat when claustrophobia concerns exist.

5. Avoid Stimulants Like Caffeine

Drinking caffeine combined with alcohol tends to heighten levels of anxiety in most people. You should drink water together with herbal tea instead of stimulating beverages to hydrate and relax yourself.

6. Try Meditation and Mindfulness Apps

You can use meditation applications such as Headspace and Calm to receive step-by-step meditation practices both before and during your flight time.

7. Talk to the Flight Crew

Informing the flight attendants about your anxiety condition may provide you with beneficial support. Flight crew members receive training to support anxious travelers and provide supportive assistance from start to finish of each journey.

8. Consider Professional Help

Extreme flight anxiety requires help from a therapist or attendance at a fear-of-flying teaching program. Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) produces stable results for decreasing travel-related anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Many flight passengers experience anxiety yet this is not a condition that keeps people from exploring new locations. Executing these strategies enables you to control your fear so flying becomes a less stressful experience. What steps do you use to deal with your flight-associated anxious feelings? Drop your strategies in the comment section please.