As the Easter holidays approach, families’ thoughts turn to jetting off to sun and sand.
A great opportunity to relax, have fun and recharge those bodily batteries.
However, not everyone feels quite so excited.
It’s estimated that one in six people have a fear of flying.
People who are scared of flying will generally have one, two or maybe all, of the following things going on inside them.
1) They will experience physical sensations of anxiety and panic.
2) They will play movies in their minds of how awful the flight is going to be. They will play these movies in full colour, full volume and over and over and over again.
3) They will start talking to themselves in their mind, saying all manner of unhelpful things.
These, of course, are all very powerful methods of keeping that fear of flying.
So how do we start to conquer our fears?
Relax and distract
First, avoid caffeine as this will replicate the feelings associated with anxiety.
Instead drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Breathe deeply and as often as you can.
Watch the in flight film, read or listen to music on your headphones.
This will allow you to be distracted and to block out aircraft noise.
Create your own psychological oasis.
Know your facts
We’ve all heard that flying is the safest form of transport, but just how safe?
Well, it’s estimated that you would have to take a flight every day for 30,000 years before you are likely to be in a fatal air crash!
Also, statistically, you’re more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than in a plane.
Eye up the Cabin Crew
If you’re worried during the flight or hit turbulence, keep one eye on the Cabin Crew’s faces.
Notice how calm they remain; they are the ones with experience and are in the know.
While they look calm, you’re safe!
If it’s a full blown phobia seek help
Finally, if your fear is really intense, then you might consider flying therapy.
You can book on a fear of flying course at most major airports or seek the help of a therapist.
If ever there was a fear worth beating then this is it.
There’s a great big world to explore out there.
So keep calm and enjoy your flight!