All of us know someone who fears flying more than anything else in the world. Although airplane accidents are incomparably less compared to car accidents, as his friends console him, nothing in the world can convince these individuals to be relaxed in their airplane seat. Experts believe that this can be changed with a few simple steps.
“When people want to address their fear of flying, they often realize that an airplane is one of the safer forms of transportation. Even rationally, this is completely clear to them. Their body has already developed an individual response to flights, so they associate airplanes with anxiety and fear." the clinical psychologist is convinced Rebecca Hoffenberg.
Check out these nine steps that can come in handy when dealing with your fear of flying.
Mysterious turbulence
Many are afraid of turbulence, when the plane starts bouncing back and forth for an "unknown" reason. Let's face it, every one of us cringes when the seat belt light comes on in the middle of the flight, but just by understanding this phenomenon, the flight will be more bearable. Turbulence is nothing more than a sudden flow of wind that causes airplanes to sway slightly. It's like driving a car on a potholed road or sailing in rough seas. However, airplanes are specifically designed to react to turbulence.
Photo: Unsplash/Yousef AlfuhigiSafety accessories in the plane
“Airplanes are mystical—though ordinary—machines. They make unusual sounds and provide unique sensations. They are complicated. This makes it more difficult for people to understand them and learn about their operation," explained pilot Korry Franke in an interview with Travel and Leisure. But maybe this will make your next flight easier. If you understand how airplanes work and what safety mechanisms they have developed, the fear may also be reduced.
Airplane accidents
We don't recommend watching videos of some plane crashes before your next flight, but experts are sure that it can help you on your next flight. There are special shows that educate their viewers about the reasons for individual accidents and at the same time explain how technology has improved and developed since then.
Photo: Unsplash/Ashim D SilvaTalk to the flight attendant
Flight attendants are always there for you. "We are your best advocate. We're always watching you and checking in on how you're feeling," Jennifer Jaki Johnson, flight attendant and founder of travel wellness brand Jetsetter Chic, released to TAL. Cabin crew are trained in the wide variety of medical incidents that can occur on an aircraft, as well as how to deal with accidents. For this purpose, they also have training once a year, where they further consolidate their knowledge.
Learn to fly
This may be a last resort, but it is a solution for some. “I truly believe that people in general are not afraid of flying; they're afraid of what they don't know, or they're afraid of being out of control,” says Franke. With a flight lesson, already on the simulator, you will improve your confidence for the next flight, because you will better understand how the plane works.
Photo: Unsplash/Ben NealeChoose a seat
If you feel that you have no control over anything on the plane, do your best to be able to choose your seat when you buy your plane ticket or during the check-in process. If you don't feel comfortable on the plane, maybe choose a non-window seat or one with extra legroom.
See a therapist
If your fear of flying is truly paralyzing, it's probably best to seek professional help. "Mental health professionals can help individuals overcome their fear of flying by using cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention," says Dr. Rachel Kutner, clinical psychologist. In extreme cases, doctors will even prescribe you anti-anxiety medication. Another alternative is hypnosis, which through mind programming may help you with your next year.
Photo: Unsplash/Simon MaageFind the right distraction
Perhaps the solution is to find something to distract you from the unpleasant feelings you have about flying. A simple tip when turbulence hits: Turn on the part of your brain that you usually neglect. If you are right-handed, take a pencil and pen and start writing with your left hand, which will distract you for a while.
Board the plane
The best way to prevent fear is to face your fears.
