The fear of flying is a common phobia that many people struggle with. You should probably get professional help if you have panic attacks when trying to fly, feel extremely overwhelmed or haven't flown in a long period of time due to fear, but self-help tips can also ease your anxiety.
Use Relaxation Techniques
If you went to a see a therapist for your fear of flying, one thing the therapist would probably do is teach you relaxation and grounding techniques that you can use to reduce your anxiety. The therapist might suggest that you make figure eights with your index finger on your leg right above your knee. Put enough pressure into the movement so you really feel it but not enough to hurt yourself. Continue to make the figure eights over and over, concentrating solely on that task. This relaxation technique helps people who do fly but suffer from anxiety during takeoff and landing. Helpguide.org reports that regular practice of relaxation techniques will teach you how to calm yourself down quickly.
Another simple way to lower anxiety when you're waiting for your flight and during the flight is to focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to fill and empty your chest and stomach with each breath.
Learn the Truth
Many people fear flying because they have irrational thoughts about it. For instance, turbulence is normal and planes are equipped to handle it, according to Road and Travel Magazine, but many people panic when they feel a little bump. It is common knowledge that the car ride to the airport is more dangerous than flying, because car accidents occur more often than plane crashes. However, you might disregard this fact when your plane is taking off and you feel anxious. Turning your thoughts back to the facts will help you relax.
Announce Your Fear
When you first board the plane, introduce yourself to the flight attendants. Let them know that you get nervous when flying and ask to meet the pilots. Flight attendants and pilots understand that people suffer from fear of flying, and they're trained in helping you reduce your fear. Meeting the pilots and talking with them will likely ease your anxiety, and the flight attendants will probably check on you a couple of times during the flight, which can be comforting.
Do Something
When you travel by plane, bring something that you enjoy doing. If you love to read racy romance novels or listen to punk rock music, keep yourself distracted by doing one of those things. Choose something that you could spend hours doing to keep your mind from thinking negative, irrational thoughts. Start doing it while you're waiting for your flight instead of thinking about potential disasters that could occur.
