Overcoming Your Fear Of Flying

Millions of Americans suffer from an intense fear of flying, and even more find flying to be stressful and uncomfortable. This fear and phobia can prohibit people from visiting family and friends, or from experiencing the beauty of the world from the sky. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to overcome a fear of flying. While it may not go away overnight, flying fright can be managed.

Overcoming a Fear of Flying

Below are a few tips and tricks to employ when you’re attempting to overcome your fear of flying:

• Educate Yourself – Oftentimes, the largest source of anxiety comes from a fear of the unknown. By educating yourself on the multitude of airplane safety features, you may be able to ease your anxiety.
• Learn About Turbulence – If you’re unaware of what turbulence is, it can cause panic and alarm. However, turbulence is simply a shift in the wind; the same shift of wind that birds encounter every day. Your airplane can withstand an incredible amount of turbulence, much more than you’re likely to experience on a routine flight.
• Separate Fears from Dangers – The body’s response to danger and fear is the same. It’s important that you remind your brain that you aren’t in any real danger; you’re just feeling anxiety. Talk yourself through your anxious thoughts and remind yourself that feelings of anxiety don’t mean that you are actually in any danger.
• Distract Yourself – Lastly, if all else fails, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re distracting your brain. Watch the in-flight movie, bring along a book of crossword puzzles, or read your favorite novel. Listening to soothing music on your iPod can also help. Do whatever you can to keep your mind occupied with other things so that it isn’t able to dwell on the anxiety.

For more tips on flying, or to speak with a flight instructor, please contact Elevate Aviation, located in Salt Lake City, UT. We want flying to be an exciting and pleasurable experience for everyone!