Jetting off across the world is something so many dream about, but how can we make our dreams come true when we hate the idea of taking to the sky? Learning how to overcome a fear of flying could be just the thing we need once and for all.
Book an aisle seat to keep away from the window
Setting the scene before your flight is one of the best ways to overcome a fear of flying. That means booking your seat, so you don’t have to take any chances. While it often costs a little more, booking an aisle seat means you’ll be further away from the window – and what could be making you nervous – and should avoid a feeling of being trapped.
Steer clear of the media and scary movies
This might go without saying, but avoid watching any movies about plane crashes or reading news stories about things going wrong. This could be all you need to add to your fear of flying and make the entire process even worse. After all, good things happening during flights don’t tend to make the news.
Take your time at the airport
The last thing many of us need when we’re already fearful is to be even more stressed. Arriving late to the airport and having to rush can make things 100 times worse, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time. It also means you can orient yourself with the layout of the airport and where you need to be for your flight with enough time to spare.
Download some distractions for the flight
Want to keep calm and block out the rest of the world on your flight? Why not do just that? Download some things that you know keep you calm, such as your favorite movie or TV show. If you’re worried about seeing something you don’t like, why not download a podcast so you can shut your eyes instead?
Practice breathing exercises throughout
A good breathing exercise can oftentimes be the thing we need to keep calm. It can often be overlooked, but it’s a great way to calm our nerves and keep our heart rate down. Practice these at home before your flight, so you know what to expect. After all, they can be great for all aspects of our lives, not just when we’re facing a fear of flying.
Talk to a professional about your fears
If your fear of flying is keeping you up at night or really hindering your life, it could be time to talk to a professional. This could be in the form of a therapist or someone who specializes in fears. Whatever the case, they might be able to get to the root of the problem and help you overcome your fear with some tried-and-tested methods of their own.
Learning how to overcome a fear of flying can be tough, but it’s not impossible. Sometimes, we just need the right tools and ideas to see us face our fears head-on and explore the world at long last.
