Flying to a new destination can be exhilarating reaching new heights, enjoying views of oceans, mountains, and clouds that you can’t see on the ground. Flights have ways of thrilling people, but in contrast, there are many people in the populous that find air travel nerve-wracking. The reality is that flying can be dangerous. From the instability of a plane going through turbulence, from the high altitudes, from the blockade entering your ear from elevation, air travel is not easy. There is no doubt that these experiences can generate anxiety, panic attacks, or stress, therefore My Restful Mind has tips and tricks for you to have a safer and comfy air travel experience.
1) Remember to breath
A sudden urge of panic results in trying to catch more air than you need. Remembering your breath, slowly inhaling deeply and exhaling will send direct messages to your brain to calm down. This will also focus your attention to a different activity diverting your attention away from the flight.
2) Ensure you are comfortable
Air travelling is an uncommon activity that many people experience. A natural response to an uncommon activity is uncomfortably due to not knowing the environment you’re used to. For this reason, bringing accessories or things that you use on a day-to-day basis such as a show on a tablet, a pillow that you use at night, or a picture that reminds you of home, all these accessories will help you to feel more comfortable.
3) Be prepared for the experience
Uncertainty is always a stress trigger. Not knowing what to expect can initiate sudden bursts of burden that translates into a mental health crisis. If you fear air travel, prepare yourself for the experience of flying for the first time. The more you train to think about the flight experience, the more you can expect what is to come. If you fear heights, look down from a tall building down to ground level. Start off at a low floor and make work yourself up. If you fear turbulence, try to think of an activity you can do to distract your mind from that situation.
4) Think positively!
Easier said than done but when your mind associates activities with a negative connotation, chances are that your experience will be negative. For example, if I go to a concert expecting a band to perform badly, my actions and mindset may interfere with a chance of appreciating the experience of the performance. Flying is the same. Once you associate flying as a negative experience, then your fears will dictate a negative experience. Try to pull yourself to enjoy the experience with the mindset that nothing bad will happen.
If you need help and to talk about your stress related to travelling anxiety or anything beyond, My Restful Mind is here to support you. Next time you travel get personalized tips to help you enjoy your flight.
