Fear of flying: how to overcome it and travel in total serenity
If you are afraid of flying, the first thing you will hear from everyone is that every day there are many people in the world who take the plane, that the plane is the safest way in the world and that car accidents are much more numerous. We know how difficult all these words are to accept, but always remember that fear cannot stop you from doing what you love. Watch the video below and take an example from this little girl!
What does the fear of flying consist of?
What people around you are not always able to understand is that the fear of flying is an irrational fear (like all fears for that matter) so you don't need scientific explanations and percentages to help you, but a little healthy encouragement. Of course, of the many people who take the plane every day to meet distant friends or even simply for work, not all do so without anxiety and fear. This is because there is a gradual fear of flight, the one that blocks you and does not make you leave, it is the more moderate one that accompanies you during every journey but does not limit you in your choices and in life even if it creates some discomfort at the moment of take-off when you realize to find yourself many kilometers above the ground! Fear of flying is a very common phobia, so don't feel alone or misunderstood first. You are in good company instead: there are so many stars who give up flying by plane because they are afraid!
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Why are we afraid in flight?
We were born on earth and have no wings to fly. Flying, especially for those who start doing it at an advanced age and not as a child, is always a source of news that can result in anxiety and agitation. When we are on the plane the fact of not being able to open the window to get some air, the awareness of not being able to go out until we are at our destination and the idea of being definitely inhaled can cause stress and fear in novice travelers heats in those who frequently take the plane. Just think that one in two Italians is afraid of flying! Those who are afraid of flying recognize it immediately: they sweat, are clinging to the handles, follow the movements of the steward and hostesses with terror, this when they manage not to abandon themselves to pure panic but maintain at least a semblance of control.
The fear of the plane, or aerophobia, can be overcome, just like any other fear in the world. By continuing to read, we will discover together how to overcome the fear of the plane!
Overcoming the fear of flying: how to do it!
As we have seen, there are different degrees of fear of flying. If the fear is mild or moderate, a good advice is to first inquire about everything that happens during a trip by plane, to limit panic and have a realistic view of the trip. Knowledge always limits fear, because we usually fear much more than we do not know and are unfamiliar with. Understanding what happens at take off, how a plane works and also what safety devices are on board is a valid help in alleviating fear. On board then there are small tricks to distract yourself such as coloring an album (yes even if you are not a child this trick distracts you and cheers you up), listening to music, sleeping, relaxing, imagining being in a comfort zone or why not, looking forward to all things beautiful that await you upon arrival! One way to overcome the fear of flying is to travel often: if you challenge your fear you can only overcome it, because you will come into contact with it and you will be able to really understand it! Another good solution for frightened travelers is to leave in company, shaking the hand of a friend you trust (and who is not afraid of course) at take-off and landing is an excellent therapy against fear.
In any case, it is good to follow some advice to limit the effects of fear, avoid chocolate, coffee, energy drinks or spirits before getting on the flight, arrive at the airport well rested because tiredness always causes anxiety. Many fearful passengers take natural sedatives: always ask another trusted doctor for advice before taking them with you. One last recommendation, wear comfortable clothes: no clothes that are too tight, turtleneck sweaters or ties to avoid that feeling of suffocation that often accompanies panic. What if the fear of flying is greater than you and you just can't imagine getting on a plane? There are special courses to overcome the fear of flying!
Talking is important to face the journey!
Communicating to the cabin crew that you are afraid of traveling is a good move to overcome your fear as it will make you feel understood and safe right away. Hostesses and stewards are very used to handling situations of this type and will know how to reassure you with patience: they are trained in this and will do everything to make you feel at ease. Even in case of turbulence, ask all the questions you deem necessary, you will realize that in 99% of cases there is really nothing to be afraid of and what seem to you situations of enormous danger and anxiety are actually very normal. for those who travel frequently by plane! Who is afraid of flying takes great care in choosing the seat: better window or inside? Better front row or at the bottom?
In reality there is no objective answer as to which seat on the plane generates less fear. Surely, however, if you sit in the front rows, you can stretch your legs and have a closer and more frequent contact with the crew who know how to manage your anxiety. If you are afraid of flying, the fact of having booked a plane ticket and being seated in an armchair about to leave is already a real burden! It means that you are taking a step to overcome your fears and the goal is always achieved in this way, one step after another! If, on the other hand, the very idea of boarding a plane limits you and terrifies you, sign up for a specific course to overcome the fear of flying, complete with a flight simulator!
No matter how old you are: it's never too late to discover the beauty of flying!
