Conquering flight anxiety
Flight into Jackson hole
Traveling is my absolute favorite activity, yet I struggle with intense flight anxiety! I used to enjoy flying until, one day, everything changed. People often wonder how I can love to travel while experiencing such anxiety during flights, and they ask how I cope with it. Here’s how I manage my anxiety to explore all the destinations on my bucket list.
i cannot pinpoint what made me start to get anxiety about flying, but once i had it i couldn’t seem to get rid of it. at first i tried to convince myself it was all in my head, but i feel like that made it even worse! it got so bad that i would be having a hard time sleeping the week leading up to our vacations.
Since my anxiety tends to kick in about a week before our flight, I've developed some strategies to help manage it during that time that i hope will help you as well. I begin packing early (days early if i can) by placing items into my luggage that I can prepare in advance. This approach significantly reduces my stress, as last-minute packing only amplifies my anxiety. Additionally, I start filling my carry-on with calming essentials for the flight, such as books, mints, light snacks, lavender hand lotion, and my medications. I also make it a point to meditate for at least 10 minutes each day leading up to the trip, which has proven to be quite beneficial.
In the past, arriving at the airport made me feel quite anxious. To help ease the anxiety, I’ve made a few changes: We now arrive several hours early for our flights, which is a smart move since security lines can sometimes be lengthy. Additionally, we invested in TSA Pre-Check to bypass those long lines that can add to anyone's stress! I also enjoy exploring the airport shops before heading to the terminal, as it helps take my mind off boarding the plane. Once I reach the terminal, I always keep myself occupied with a good book or a movie, among other distractions.
Once I board the plane, I make my way to my seat. I always opt for the aisle seat, as it’s the most comfortable choice for me. I highly recommend finding the seat that suits you best, as it can significantly alleviate anxiety. I prefer the aisle seat so I can easily get up to stretch or use the restroom, giving me a sense of control. I keep all my essentials in my carry-on right in front of me, such as books and AirPods, which also help calm my nerves. I usually put on a meditation on (a lot of planes now provide this-called headspace) Additionally, I always pack a sweater since flights tend to be chilly.
I hope this blog has helped give you some tips and tricks on how to help alleviate flight anxiety. i know all to well what is like to love traveling but fearing the flying part.
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Happy Travels!
Mandy
