Are you the individual who simply dreads flying? Does even the thought of sitting on a 6 hour flight simply cause your heart to race? You probably would drive across the country, but this would not be possible. You are representing your company in an important business trip in several days. You simply seek a solution to prevent what could turn out to be an anxiety attack as you think about that flight.
Overcoming anxiety, especially when it comes to facing an event like flying can be a daunting task. First of all, I am compassionate to your problem. Personally, I love flying. One of my hobbies is computer jet simulations. I have even flown a single engine Cessna, with a relative who is a licensed pilot. However, I have another relative who is scared to board any airplane, or jet. It could be a small Cessna all the way up to a Boeing 747 jumbo jet. She has stated that if push comes to shove, the option of walking to her destination, (were it available to her) would be a better choice as opposed to flying at 35,000 ft.
People who dislike flying have varying reasons as to why it causes them such anxiety, stress, and agitation. Some individuals simply have a fear of heights. Against all odds, some people feel that their plane will simply crash upon take-off or landing. Personally, you may just feel claustrophobic; being confined to such a small space inside the cabin of a plane. If the thought of spending time in your assigned seat aboard your upcoming flight is beginning to cause your anxiety level to rise unnaturally, perhaps the following steps will help you.
Anxiety attacks in people are caused by the mind and nervous system being over-stimulated to such a point that the individual has lost all control of their thoughts. Usually, some type of trigger (or cause) is the reason for the attacks that eventually overcome people. The thought of flying would be your trigger, (or cause) for any future attack. Digging deeper, could your fear of flying be due to a previous unpleasant flight aboard a plane that you had? Did you experience much turbulence on a previous airplane trip? Was the landing rougher than usual? Or in another example, did you have to circle around the airport for a long time because of a back-up due to other planes all arriving together? While circling in this scenario, did your mind begin to envision terrible things that could happen?
Flying aboard a jet is statistically safer than being in an automobile, or aboard a high speed train. The pilots who fly for the major airlines are highly trained, and skilled at their craft. As part of their employment, pilots are mandated to practice their flying skills, while being monitored in computer flight simulators. In these cases, while constantly updating their skills during these simulations; pilots constantly practice how they would react in many unusual scenarios: flying in truly adverse weather, operating aircraft if unexpected mechanical failures occur mid-flight, aborting landings, take-offs, and etc. Remember that during your flight, you would be in the best hands possible because of the training of the pilot(s) navigating your aircraft.
Before you board your flight, you should take the following steps. If someone is accompanying you on your trip, talk to that individual about your apprehension. If that person has no fear of flying, perhaps he/she would be able to divert your thoughts through conversation during the actual flight. If you fear the plane taking-off or landing, I would suggest that you cover your eyes with a cloth that some individuals use while sleeping. You should also consider requesting ahead of time an aisle seat; not one closest to the window. Although the scenery from 37,000 ft. is breath-taking to some individuals; to others it elevates their level of stress.
Classical music has long been the type of entertainment that is very soothing to both the mind and nervous system. By all means, pack your I-Pod, Walkman, or other portable listening device. You may not know Beethoven from Mozart with regards to their great music compositions. But, I guarantee that listening to a soothing selection of music during the flight will calm your nerves. I would also quickly take the time to recommend one work in particular: Brahms’ 2nd Symphony is one of the most beautiful, serene, and peaceful instrumental works ever composed. The First and Second Movements from that symphony especially would completely take your mind off of the fact that you are flying.
Another step towards overcoming your anxiety in flying would be for you to bring a comforting book to pass the time. With today’s technology, many aircraft, (especially on long cross-country or overseas flights) have individual in-flight entertainment systems. With a quality pair of earphones, you would have your selection in watching the latest news, sports, movies; or other choices. If your mind is diverted towards a movie that you always wanted to watch, your level of stress will be dramatically lowered throughout the entire flight.
There is one very important thing that you should not do if you have still have apprehensions about flying. Do not take alcohol before, or during the flight. Alcohol acts as a stimulant to the nervous system. If you are nervous about flying, drinking that beer, scotch, or whiskey being offered by the flight attendant would be like adding fuel to a fire. Your anxiety level would not be relieved by that drink. Instead, your level of stress and agitation would only be elevated to even higher levels by drinking alcohol.
" target="_self" Overcoming anxiety , caused by the thought of flying is something that you can control. You have to prepare yourself, ahead of time, by listing activities that you will do during the flight. I will stress yet one final time. Flying in an airplane is much safer than other forms of transportation. There is much more help available to you in attempting to your problem. I highly urge you to please visit this site: " target="_self" .
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