Simple Tricks To Conquer A Fear of Flying - Sally W.
A record-breaking 4.1 billion passengers flew on airplanes in 2017, proving air travel to be a regular part of everyday life for many. From visiting family to going on vacation, flying is entirely normalized and helpfully accessible, in terms of getting where you want or need to go. However, for some, flying can be a nightmare — even to the point that trips are missed because of the stress and anxiety that the fear can bring. If you or someone you know has a fear of flying, you can be sure to conquer that fear in no time at all with some simple techniques.
Know the facts
Also known as aviophobia, the fear of flying certainly isn’t unheard of. In fact, it’s estimated that 6.5% of the population has it, which accounts for roughly 20 million people. With that said, one of the best ways to begin facing your fear of flying is to get comfortable with the idea by learning the facts. For instance, if you’re worried about a plane crash, knowing that the possibility of that happening is extremely low can help you be more comfortable during take-off. After all, flying is considered to be much safer than driving! Becoming knowledgeable about how a plane works and all of the security measures in place to keep you safe can also help you lessen your fears. Of course, even with all the facts, a fear of flying can still get in the way of air travel, which is where other methods such as exposure therapy might be able to help.
Managing the symptoms
For many people, the fear of flying can mean many things . For instance, maybe you don’t fear that something will go wrong, but you have a fear of heights that makes you also fear flying in a plane. In any situation, conquering the fear of flying can often begin with managing the individual symptoms. For example, bringing along medication or using acupressure can help to prevent the nausea that a child might experience during the flight, and learning some breathing techniques may help to manage your anxiety. Speaking to a professional can be another great way of getting your fear under control though managing the symptoms of your fear. Whether that includes learning meditative techniques for managing your stress before a trip, or simply talking about how you feel, you can gain the tools necessary to make that journey you’ve been wanting to take.
Exposure to flying
For some, exposure to flying may aid in conquering the fear of flying. The idea is that going somewhere, even if it’s just an hour-long flight, can help you get used to what flying feels like, what to expect, and what the process is like (when it comes to ascending, descending, and boarding). And, if getting on a plane to make a short journey still seems like too much to bear, virtual reality exposure can bring about a whole new perspective by presenting someone with their fears via a headset. This makes for an immersive experience without actually boarding a plane in reality.
Another interesting way to conquer the fear of flying through exposure is through workshops or classes, which can include working on a number of techniques to come to terms with flying. From question and answer sessions with trained pilots to working your way up to an actual flight, taking a class or attending a workshop can be a great way to get the stress, anxiety, and nerves under control — and a step in the right direction to getting more comfortable with flying.
In today’s society, flying is one of the most convenient ways to travel. However, for those who have a fear of flying, even an hour-long plane journey can feel unbearable. With that said, many find relief in knowing the facts, such as how safe flying really is, while others prefer to manage the symptoms or try exposure to flying.
Know the facts
Also known as aviophobia, the fear of flying certainly isn’t unheard of. In fact, it’s estimated that 6.5% of the population has it, which accounts for roughly 20 million people. With that said, one of the best ways to begin facing your fear of flying is to get comfortable with the idea by learning the facts. For instance, if you’re worried about a plane crash, knowing that the possibility of that happening is extremely low can help you be more comfortable during take-off. After all, flying is considered to be much safer than driving! Becoming knowledgeable about how a plane works and all of the security measures in place to keep you safe can also help you lessen your fears. Of course, even with all the facts, a fear of flying can still get in the way of air travel, which is where other methods such as exposure therapy might be able to help.
Managing the symptoms
For many people, the fear of flying can mean many things . For instance, maybe you don’t fear that something will go wrong, but you have a fear of heights that makes you also fear flying in a plane. In any situation, conquering the fear of flying can often begin with managing the individual symptoms. For example, bringing along medication or using acupressure can help to prevent the nausea that a child might experience during the flight, and learning some breathing techniques may help to manage your anxiety. Speaking to a professional can be another great way of getting your fear under control though managing the symptoms of your fear. Whether that includes learning meditative techniques for managing your stress before a trip, or simply talking about how you feel, you can gain the tools necessary to make that journey you’ve been wanting to take.
Exposure to flying
For some, exposure to flying may aid in conquering the fear of flying. The idea is that going somewhere, even if it’s just an hour-long flight, can help you get used to what flying feels like, what to expect, and what the process is like (when it comes to ascending, descending, and boarding). And, if getting on a plane to make a short journey still seems like too much to bear, virtual reality exposure can bring about a whole new perspective by presenting someone with their fears via a headset. This makes for an immersive experience without actually boarding a plane in reality.
Another interesting way to conquer the fear of flying through exposure is through workshops or classes, which can include working on a number of techniques to come to terms with flying. From question and answer sessions with trained pilots to working your way up to an actual flight, taking a class or attending a workshop can be a great way to get the stress, anxiety, and nerves under control — and a step in the right direction to getting more comfortable with flying.
In today’s society, flying is one of the most convenient ways to travel. However, for those who have a fear of flying, even an hour-long plane journey can feel unbearable. With that said, many find relief in knowing the facts, such as how safe flying really is, while others prefer to manage the symptoms or try exposure to flying.
