High Flying Fear!
It will be very difficult to find anyone that does not remember 9/11 or find someone that can’t point to one change they’ve noticed since then. If you choose to engage in this conversation, chances are the change that will be mentioned will be with flying. Stricter rules, longer lines, armed guards, sealed pilot’s cockpits, etc. Not surprisingly, this has made flying more secure than it was before 9/11 but has also increased anxiety and stress among passengers.
High Flying Fear!
So what can you do to alleviate your anxiety over flying?
First off, you need to realize that you aren’t alone. There are fewer people flying, but more and more people seeking professional help to overcome their anxiety. In fact, experts believe nearly 1/3 of travelers could benefit from professional help!
Second, passengers need to manage pre-boarding stress. Security is tight and looks at everyone individually. So, accept the situation and adapt to the restrictions. For instance, take only your laptop and a book in your carry-on. Wear a cloth belt with minimal metal on it and wear shoes that easily slip on and off. What else do you need to carry-on? Zipping through security checks is one easy way to minimize pre-boarding stress.
Now you’re through and are facing the source of your anxiety. Flying. The main reason why you are anxious is that you haven’t fully accepted the passive nature of flying and are still trying to figure a way to control the situation. This is the hardest skill to learn: to simply let go! Flying is actually quite safe and has statistics to prove it. It isn’t this safe because you worry whether that sound is normal or not. Chances are, it is normal!
Develop techniques that enable you to sit in the chair and ignore what is happening around you. Instead of listening to those noises, focus on your breathing. Learn flying statistics highlighting the safety aspects of the mode of transportation and repeat them in your head during take-offs, landings, and turbulence. Even learn the engineering behind flying to better understand why it’s possible and that planes are able to withstand the bumps of flying.
Thinking through the entire process will help you overcome your anxiety of flying. Developing techniques to stop the encroaching anxiety attack is another tool in your calmness arsenal. And regular flying will reinforce these notions. Afterall, we usually fear what we don’t know. So get to know flying. Your palms don’t need to be sweaty ever again.