Flying can be a stressful experience. As I embark to study abroad, I thought of a few key tips I use when I fly that can help you reduce your anxiety on your next trip:
Have a music playlist at the ready
Be prepared to have a playlist that has enough music to last you through most of the flight. Since you will be seated with people for a while, putting your headphones can be the best way to tune out your environment and help focus on some deep, relaxing breaths.
Focus on the objects in your physical space
Whenever I’m feeling particularly anxious on a flight, I like to use the world around me to my advantage. Try to focus on a few items in your physical surroundings. On my last flight I looked around and focused on a pack of Pringles, baby shoes, and a Spiderman luggage tag. I thought about the saltiness, the crunch of the chips. When I focused on the baby shoes, I thought of my cousin and the shoes I got him for his 3rd birthday. For the Spiderman luggage tag, I debated which Spiderman reboot was my favorite. These thoughts are grounded in real-life memories, sensory experiences, or opinions I have that help distract me from the negative fears that try to overwhelm me.
Go to the bathroom
Walking to the bathroom gets you out of the tight seat you’ve been in and allows you to stretch your legs. Get your blood circulating and pumping through your body! Feel free to stretch up, crack your back, roll your head to loosen your neck muscles. Your neck is one of the first places to stiffen when you’re stressed, so take your time really get those knots out. When you actually make it to the bathroom, freshen up! On longer flights, I like to bring facial soap and lotion. It’s a nice way to take up some time and treat yourself to your skincare routine even while you’re up in the clouds.
Skip the coffee and go for the water
Flying can be extremely dehydrating because the air on planes has very little moisture. In order to stay hydrated, drink lots of water. Additionally, avoiding caffeinated drinks can prevent the jitteriness that comes along that can make your nervousness feel even worse.
Bring a book
More often than not I see other young adults board the plane with nothing other than their carryon and phone. While this may be okay for short flights, we shouldn’t forget about the hours of entertainment and distraction books can provide. Though I’m definitely guilty of forgetting to pick up a book when I should have, I try my best to make it a habit. You never know when your phone will die and your videos and music along with it. A paperback is a lot more reliable and it is sure to be a great flight companion.
I hope these tips help you on your next flight. My next flight will be 8+ hours, so I’ll be sure to update this list if I come across any new strategies on hour 10 of my flight!
By: Sabrina Flores, Anxiety In Teens Contributor