The adventure mentality is about approaching life’s obstacles with the mindset of an adventurer. In its simplest form, fear is an anticipated bad outcome that may or may not occur in the future as a result of our actions. Essentially, we terrify ourselves by picturing terrible consequences for whatever activity or event we want in life. The following is a how-to guide for conquering your fear of flying.
1. Acquaint Yourself With Your Triggers
Understanding what causes the start of dread is critical to defeating flight anxiety. One flier may be fearful of turbulence and frantic before takeoff, while another may be obsessive about cleanliness and worried about germ transmission in a tight place. The common denominator for most fearful fliers is the dread of being overwhelmed by worry or having a panic attack during the trip, leaving them with no option to escape. It helps to be aware of your fear and the factors that may cause it to flare up.
2. Demystify the Phenomenon of Turbulence.
Turbulence is simply wonky wind currents that cause aircraft to bounce slightly, quite similar to driving on a rough road or sailing on a choppy sea. However, there is no need to be concerned: planes are precisely engineered to manage and reduce turbulence.
Do not be alarmed when you glance out your window and see the wing bobbing up and down in response to turbulence. Rather than that, be grateful since the flexing wings act as shock absorbers, smoothing down the rough ride on a gravel rural road.
3. Communicate with Your Flight Attendants.
Flight attendants are always there to assist you. They are specialists in aviation safety. Airlines need flight attendants to undergo in-person training once a year, complemented by frequent online training, to ensure they are current on emergency procedures. If you have the means, consider traveling via a private jet charter to help you practice managing your fear of flying without other onlooking passengers. This way you’ll have privacy, space, and the full attention of flight attendants who will prioritize your overall well-being and be focused on your needs.
4. Become Familiar with the Built-in Safety Features.
Airplanes are enigmatic devices and create unusual sounds and induce unusual feelings. They are intricate. And they function inside a system that bears little resemblance to what people are familiar with and comprehend. Therefore, console yourself by studying how aircraft are intended to handle emergencies. Preparedness is critical in any emergency and knowing that you’re prepared to tackle various eventualities may help alleviate some of your concerns.
5. Be Prepared for Your Anxieties
Anticipatory anxiety is what we feel in the run-up to a fear. While this is often the most acute anxiety you will feel throughout the journey; it is not a reliable indicator of how you will feel during the flight. It is usually far larger than what you feel.
6. Entertain Yourself
Most airlines give entertainment options such as television, music channels, and magazines to keep you entertained throughout the journey. These might help you feel more at ease in an unpleasant situation.
If individuals link these amenities with feeling secure at home, they might elicit similar sentiments of security aboard a flight. One of the most effective methods to pass the time on a flight is to bring entertainment that you are currently engrossed in and enjoying. If diversions are ineffective, attempt to sleep. Consult your physician about using a natural sleep aid such as melatonin to assist you in sleeping throughout the journey.
7. Choose a Seat that will Assist you in Avoiding Your Trigger
One of the few things travelers have control over on a trip is seat selection, and if you’re prone to motion sickness in the air, it’s worth paying a little more for that option. Once you’ve identified your specific fear of flying, utilize your seat selection to assist you to avoid your triggers. If you have a fear of heights, avoid the windows. However, if you must always be aware of what is happening outside, choose a window seat. Aisle seats may be advantageous for claustrophobic or restless individuals who want movement – upgrading to business or first class may also be beneficial in this case.
Fear is debilitating. It gives you a sense of helplessness and fuels your anxieties and worries. Rather than living in terror, I want you to have the ability to live with fear. Overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety entails regulating your worries while developing self-confidence to act despite these emotions.
