If you’re one of the many people that suffers from a fear of flying, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Whether the turbulence of an airplane makes you nervous or you have frequent dreams of being in a plane crash, traveling via plane can lead to crippling anxiety for many. If you have an upcoming flight that is already instilling fear in your mind, consider the tips below.
Tip #1: Prepare Yourself Mentally & Physically
As soon as you’ve booked your flight, it’s important to start preparing yourself mentally and physically for your upcoming travels. Take the time to remind yourself that flying is the safest mode of transportation out there. If any sense of fear creeps into your mind, push it out with positive thoughts like what you’ll do when you reach your destination.
When it comes time to start packing for your trip, pack items that make you happy and relaxed. A good book is always a great item to have nearby. If your mind starts to wander at the airport, pick up your favorite romance novel and get lost in the words. Before you know it, it’ll be time to board the plane and take off. You should also dress in comfortable attire to ensure your flight experience is cozy. If you’re one of those people that gets cold relatively easily, bring a blanket from home that you can snuggle up to before takeoff. If you need to calm your worries before your flight, find a quiet place in the airport and meditate for ten minutes to prepare yourself for the trip ahead.
Tip #2: Avoid Caffeinated Drinks & Sugary Foods
Did you know that the foods and beverages you consume can play a role in your anxiety levels? To keep yourself as calm and collected as possible, we recommend avoiding sugary foods and stimulants before your flight. Try to consume foods and drinks that will calm your senses and promote relaxation. A few good go-tos are decaffeinated green tea, peppermint candy, and warm soups. While you may be tempted to indulge in that king-size Snickers bar before boarding, trade it out for a granola bar instead.
Tip #3: Give Yourself Enough Time To Get To The Airport
The day of your flight, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. The last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic 30 minutes prior to departure, as this can lead to a mini heart attack. If you plan on leaving your car at the airport, consider booking your airport parking ahead of time to expedite your trip.
Tip #4: Keep Yourself Busy During Your Flight
As the saying goes, “An idle mind is the Devil’s playground.” With that being said, make sure you pack plenty of things to keep you busy on your flight. This will keep your mind from panicking as you hit a little turbulence during take-off. Bring a tablet or laptop full of movies or your favorite television show so you have something to watch as you ascend into the sky. If you’re traveling with kids, bring a coloring book or handheld game to keep the little ones occupied as well.
Tip #5: Just Breathe
Did you know that breathing alone is an effective way to calm the mind? By taking deep, conscious breaths before your flight, you can actually soothe your anxiety before boarding the plane. This is an excellent way to dodge a panic attack as you wait in line at the terminal.
Tip #6: Learn More About Flying
If you really want to get over your fear of flying, we highly encourage you to learn more about planes and the flying process. If you’re brand new to planes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by their big wings and mechanics. Take some time to brush up on aviation facts that you can keep in the back of your mind. Each time fear creeps up to your subconscious, remind yourself of what you’ve learned about flying to ease your mind.
We hope these tips come in handy the next time you fly. If you’re planning a trip out of the Denver International Airport (DIA) and you’re looking for an affordable and convenient place to park your vehicle, book a parking space with ParkDIA today.
