5 Ways to Ease Your Anxiety When You Are About to Fly on a Plane

Fear of flying is not uncommon, but it can have a serious impact on your life, preventing you from visiting loved ones and taking the kind of vacations that you dream about. However, there are many different strategies that can help you overcome that fear and make you more comfortable on a plane.

Knowing more about what to expect on your first plane trip can help relieve some of the anxiety. Wear comfortable clothing, and make sure that you understand the luggage limitations of the airline. Pack whatever you want with you on the flight in your carry-on bags. Find out as well whether there will be food on the plane and if you will need to pay for it. You may want to bring your own. Arriving early can also relieve your anxiety since it will give you plenty of time to get through security and to your gate.

Below are a few more tips to help you reduce your fear of flying

1. Some form of medication can help. CBD is an excellent option for keeping you calm before and during the flight. If you are traveling internationally, make sure you check the laws in your destination country before packing your CBD, but you can still take it before departing on the leg over. 

2. Fear is often accompanied by physical symptoms, which can in turn make you feel more anxious. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to help relieve these symptoms. Practicing beforehand may make it more effective.

3. Identify your specific worry. Fear is easier to deal with when you better understand its origin. You might specifically be worried about takeoff or about a particular type of accident. Knowing your exact worry can help you better prepare for it. You can also mention it to the flight attendants, who may be able to provide you with reassuring information.

4. Flight anxiety cannot always be addressed with logic, but learning more about flying may ease your worries. For example, finding out that it is the safest form of transportation or reading about what the various sounds are that you will hear during a flight can help you feel more in control.

5. Take a class. Fear of flying is so common that there are many courses available both online and in person that can help reduce your fear of flying. 

Once you are on the plane, distraction is key in keeping your mind off your concerns. These days, most flights offer music, games, movies, TV shows, and more, but occasionally they do not, or your console might not work. For this reason, it’s never a bad idea to bring some backup material as well. Some airlines offer free wifi, and if yours does not, it may be worthwhile for you to pay for it. You may find that your seatmate is an entertaining conversationalist. Doing some in-flight exercises is good for both your physical and mental health. You could also spend the time planning what you’ll do at your destination.

Fear of flying can feel insurmountable, but it can be overcome. With a combination of the above approaches, you too can board a plane to the destination of your dreams.