I fly for a living, curating travel tips and learning the latest trends to present to readers and fellow travelers. Ironically, I went through a period of my life in which I thought I’d never fly again. It wasn’t until I had to take business trips that I was able to get over my fear.
I understand all too well how stressful and frightening flying can be. It can be even more cumbersome if you travel for business and know that you must remain professional. As an entrepreneur, flying is likely going to be essential for growth, otherwise relationships may suffer and success may not reach it’s full potential.
Luckily, I’ve learned a few things along the way to help you manage those fears to make flying fun.
1. Address what you’re afraid of, control what you can, and embrace the rest.
More often than not, the fear isn’t about a crash but rather about the loss of control and the negative feelings associated with being in a cramped space. If it is about a cramped space, choosing an aisle seat towards the front of the plane will help. Don’t let the anticipation overpower your thoughts.
Avoiding flying or flying while thinking of all the ways it could go wrong will also make the process more difficult. Focus on breathing and control it. Often times, people forget to breathe properly, cutting off oxygen to their brain, and subsequently raising the anxiety levels. Downloading a breathing meditation to listen to can be extremely helpful.
If you fear turbulence, understand that it is a natural occurrence that pilots have been trained for. I personally find comfort in the window seat of the plane, near the front of the wing. That area usually doesn’t feel as much turbulence and I like being next to a wall. It’s all about your preference.
2. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
I don’t want to be a buzzkill but alcohol and caffeine are stimulants that promote anxious feelings and thoughts. They’re also dehydrating which can contribute to jet lag. Landing at your destination with a bit of alcohol in your system won’t help with navigation.
I find it best to avoid these drinks a few days before I know I’m going to have a long flight. It helps to wean myself off of craving coffee. I also find that eating healthy and drinking a lot of water helps with clarity and prevents bloating and gas.
3. Trust the travel industry.
People fly everyday without a hitch. However, mental shortcuts and associations can make us remember a plane crash much more intensely than a car crash. It is more dangerous getting to the airport by vehicle than it is to actually fly.
The ground crew have gone through hours of instruction and know what to check for. The pilots, flight attendants, tower agents, etc. all have extensive training to be able to do their jobs. They also choose to be in the air on a regular basis. Remembering that can be a relief.
I find it to be helpful to chat to workers and read up on the latest advancements. Understanding how turbulence is part of being in the air, how a plane can keep flying for 100 miles even if the engines malfunction, and how things work in general gives you some control and confidence in the process. Knowledge is power.
4. Bring familiar and positive reinforcements.
Having something familiar can make a massive difference for your mental state of mind. Music that brings back good memories or films that make you feel good can all be used. Be specific and creative. My colleague calms her nerves when flying by chewing a specific banana flavored gum that is made in her hometown.
I often load up my iPad with the latest episodes of shows I need to catch up on and have noise-canceling headphones specifically used for flight. I view flying as “me time”. I can’t do much while up in the air and have learned to enjoy the freedom that comes with that.
5. Fly often.
This may sound counterintuitive but it works. Practice will make it easier each time. Getting familiar with airports will make it easier as well.
Connect with people and give yourself incentives to do it. Your brain will use this exposure to each flight as a familiar occurrence. There are also courses, workshops, and medications offered to assist.
I personally carry motion sickness tablets in case of a bumpy flight. You may be surprised by how little preparation and knowledge can go a long way.