Ways to Beat Your Fear of Flying

I know that we've all heard in some way or other that is safer to fly than drive. Mostly because that when you do hear of an accident about planes it usually involves more people at one time than car accidents. Anxiety can be seen in different ways. Some people sweat or shake while others are chatty to the point where they talk endlessly not even taking time to inhale. Bill McGee in USA Today once wrote "Many travelers who in the past were not anxious about flying certainly are now. And those who were afraid before are even more afraid these days." this is something that I read in 2004. Because aside from the normal fears, most people's fear about flying is compounded by another point to worry about, that of terrorism. Here are some ways to calm down and get over your fear so you can relax and even enjoy the ride without squeezing your partners hand the whole way until touchdown.

Start by careful planning and understanding of where you want or need to go, it may not help overcome the fear but no one said you couldn't take the train if it will get you to your destination. If you have no choice, like my daughter; who because she was in the school band needed to go with the other members on a trip to play at Disney in Florida. She and I played a game that helped her focus on the pleasant things she would experience such as being amongst friends, the beauty of the sky etc. I do feel this is key as most people that are afraid to fly and tend to focus on what could happen which usually takes shape as negatives like an engine fire, mechanical difficulty and other things that have no likelihood of really happening.

Take time while planning to know that you have a fear and need help, it is always ok to seek out help from books, doctors and even the best help through groups. What you are trying to get out of these options are ways to deal with your fear so that you can fly and enjoy. Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises are important not only because they work, they're natural. Medications and other sources of remaining calm work well too but then you have to wait until the effect of the medication is over to be back in a normal state of mind. Some other ways to avoid being stressed the day of the flight are as simple as what you eat or drink the night before. Avoid spicy foods or anything that can make your stomach grumble. The less irritated you are the better your mental outlook will be while in the air. Two things that have helped me in the past are taking a ipod or mp3 player that has relaxing music I can listen to during the flight and a good book reading something that captivates your mind will allow you to focus on something else and who knows perhaps you can be tapped on the shoulder by the stewardess when you land letting you know you totally missed the whole flight engrossed in a great book.