How to Stay Calm When Flying
For some people, boarding an airplane is one of the most exciting parts of a vacation. For others, it can be the most stressful.
Whether your anxiety comes from turbulence, being thousands of feet in the air, or simply being in a confined space with hundreds of strangers, you're certainly not alone. Millions of people experience some level of nervousness before or during a flight.
I've never let those feelings stop me from traveling, but I have learned a few techniques that make flying much more relaxing. Over the years, I've developed a routine that helps me stay calm, and while everyone's comfort level is different, perhaps some of these ideas will work for you as well.
Start Before You Even Board the Plane
For me, staying calm begins long before the airplane leaves the ground.
One of the first things I do is put on a comfortable pair of headphones and listen to relaxing music while waiting at the airport. Music has an amazing way of slowing my thoughts down and helping me focus on something enjoyable instead of worrying about the flight ahead.
I also avoid drinking too much coffee on travel days. Normally I'm a two-cup-a-day person, but if I'm flying, I'll usually stick with just one cup that morning. Less caffeine means I'm naturally a little more relaxed, and as an added bonus, I'm less likely to need frequent trips to the restroom once we're in the air.
Talk to Your Doctor If Necessary
If flying causes significant anxiety, it's worth discussing it with your doctor.
Mine prescribed a medication specifically for those occasions when I fly. We agreed that I would only use it when necessary, not as something I take regularly. Interestingly, I discovered that even though the prescription suggested taking a full tablet, half of one has been enough for me.
Of course, everyone is different. Always follow your doctor's advice and never combine prescription medication with alcohol unless your healthcare provider specifically says it's safe to do so.
Be Careful with Alcohol
Some travelers enjoy having a drink before boarding or during the flight, and there's nothing necessarily wrong with that if it's done responsibly.
Personally, I think moderation is important. You never want to drink so much that you lose control or become uncomfortable. More importantly, alcohol can interact with certain medications, so if you've taken something to help you relax, it's usually best to avoid drinking altogether unless you've already confirmed it's safe with your doctor.
Remind Yourself of the Facts
Whenever I start feeling nervous, I remind myself of something that often gets overlooked.
Commercial air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation. Statistically, you're far more likely to be involved in an accident while driving to the airport than while flying to your destination.
That simple reminder doesn't magically erase anxiety, but it helps put things into perspective and reminds me that my emotions aren't always telling me the whole story.
Change the Conversation in Your Mind
One of the techniques that has helped me the most is surprisingly simple. I intentionally change the way I talk to myself. Instead of telling myself that I'm nervous, I try to convince my brain that I'm actually excited and about to begin an adventure. I picture the vacation waiting for me, the beaches, the mountains, the restaurants, or whatever destination lies ahead.
When anxious thoughts appear, I don't fight them. I simply imagine them like dark clouds drifting across the sky. They eventually pass, and before long my attention shifts to something much more enjoyable.
It might sound overly simple, but with practice I've found it surprisingly effective.
Meditation Really Does Help
Meditation is another habit that has made a noticeable difference for me.
Like most people, I wasn't very good at it when I first started. My mind wandered constantly, and I wondered whether I was doing it correctly. Over time, however, it became easier. Learning to slow your breathing and gently redirect your thoughts can be incredibly calming, both before a flight and during one.
There are plenty of excellent free guided meditation videos online, making it easy to learn at your own pace.
Stay Comfortable During the Flight
I also pay attention to little things that simply make the flight more comfortable.
Whenever possible, I choose a window seat. I like being able to look outside if I want to, and having the wall beside me gives me something to lean against instead of sitting in the middle seat between two strangers.
I almost always wear a comfortable hoodie. If I decide to rest, I can pull the hood over my eyes, block out some of the light, and sometimes even fall asleep.
If I'm not sleeping, I'll usually watch a movie, listen to music, or occasionally read. Keeping my mind occupied makes the flight seem much shorter.
Remember Why You're Flying
Whenever I catch myself feeling anxious, I try to remember something simple. I'm not flying just to sit on an airplane. I'm flying because there's an exciting destination waiting on the other end.
Whether it's relaxing on a beach, exploring a new city, hiking through the mountains, or visiting another country, the airplane is simply the bridge that gets me there. Focusing on the adventure ahead instead of the flight itself makes a tremendous difference in how I feel.
Before You Take Off
If you're nervous about flying, don't be discouraged. You're certainly not the only one. Over the years I've learned that small adjustments, listening to relaxing music, limiting caffeine, practicing meditation, staying comfortable, and changing the way I think about flying, have all helped me enjoy traveling much more.
You don't have to eliminate anxiety completely. You simply must manage it well enough that it doesn't keep you from seeing the world.
Every trip begins with a single flight, and in my experience, the memories waiting at your destination are almost always worth it.
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