6 Ways to Relax and Overcome Fear of Flying

When it comes to flying, some people may feel unsafe or too afraid to travel, even if they want to visit other countries. Common fears include heights, takeoff, landing, turbulence, etc. If you experience these symptoms, you may have a fear of flying that prevents you from seeing amazing places around the world.

6 Ways to Relax Fear of Flying

1. Be brave to start the journey – Look at the bigger picture. Think of your dream destination. Focus on the excitement of seeing it with your own eyes. See travel as the start of happiness, not a source of anxiety or fear.
2. Start with short flights – Instead of road trips, try taking flights for domestic trips under 1 hour first. The short duration prevents prolonged anxiety. If the first time goes well, the anxiety level should gradually come down.
3. Choose seats wisely – For anxious first-timers, sit near companions or the aisle for easy access and a sense of spaciousness. Avoid window seats if you severely fear heights. 
4. Stay occupied – Sitting still and letting your mind wander can increase boredom or excessive worry. Bring a book you enjoy or download favorite podcasts to make the flight go by quicker.
5. Think positively – If turbulence hits, don’t panic. The well-trained pilot is working to restore normalcy. Modern aircrafts have advanced technology and tracking equipment to ensure safety. The chances of an accident are 1 in a million or even less.
6. Calm your mind – If still anxious after trying the above, practice slow deep breathing to relax. Some may try reciting short mantras or meditating periodically to reduce anxiety.

These are tips to hopefully make flying easier for those with travel anxiety or aerophobia. Don’t forget to look ahead to your exciting destination – the joy awaits you there.