There was no particular reason why it happened. It wasn’t a specific turbulent flight, or a questionable landing. It was just that one day, about 14 years ago, I sat on a flight and felt every NO sense possible. My airways tightened, as the plane’s engines revved up and picked up speed for take off. I clenched my fists and my teeth, and my entire body. I prayed. I hummed. I opened my eyes and then shut them as hard as I could. I kicked my legs around in a desperate attempt to make this terrible feeling go away. My breaths became increasingly faster, which made my head feel lighter and my body warmer. I was having my first panic attack.
Thankfully, I travel with my inhaler, even though I have VERY mild asthma, which helped subdue the hyperventilation. I was also with my family, so my mom was near by to help calm me down. But it was so much more than those few minutes. It was a sense of fear that I would carry with me forever.
I don’t like to call it a phobia, as I can and will still go on an airplane. Heck, sometimes I even enjoy flights now! I like to refer to it as being a “nervous flyer” because I can now be okay 95% of the time, but there’s always that possibility of another episode.
Since air travel is such a common occurrence, I know that I’m probably not the only nervous flyer out there. That’s why I’ve compiled a few of the ways I make flights as comfortable as possible, without the help of drugs, in hopes that it might help you feel a little more at ease on your next trip!
1. H2O Like Never Before
On a flying day, it’s extra crucial that you stay hydrated! Avoid caffeine if at all possible and make sure to always be drinking water. I don’t care if it makes you have to get up to use the restroom during the flight, you’ll feel SO much better once you land if you drink lots of water!
2. Learn To Love The Routine
Maybe it’s silly, but I very much appreciate the mundane and standard practice that goes along with every flight. Once we’ve dropped off our checked bags and been through security, I always find the gate and get a bottle of water and a magazine. I know that once we board the flight, the captain usually says hello and then we’ll push back as they show a safety presentation. That the engines rev a little once we’ve left the gate and we then assume our position for takeoff. That there’s always a glorious moment that the seatbelt sign turns off once we’ve reached our cruising altitude and that drinks will be served soon afterwards. The flight crew relies on the routine just as much as you and I do. Next time, let that sink in and appreciate the comfort it provides.
3. Go To Your Happy Place
This is the most crucial of all the points because if there’s one thing that years of flying has taught me, it’s that others who aren’t nervous will say and do stupid things that will trigger anxiety. A baby crying on a delayed plane while flight attendants walk fiercely down the aisle to take a phone call from the pilot? NOPE. Someone over in 12C loudly commenting on how weird something on this flight is? NO THANKS. Your husband turning to you to say how dark those clouds ahead are? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The trick is to block all those haters out, by any means you see necessary. My go-to move for takeoff isn’t the most flattering, but I close my eyes, plug my ears, and sing ‘Lord I Lift Your Name On High’ in my head over and over again until the seatbelt sign is turned off. Random, I know, but it takes me to a place of calm. The good news is that some flights are now allowing you to listen to your music for takeoff and landing too. I blasted Arcade Fire ‘We Exist’ during takeoff last flight and it was so epic! The build of the song goes perfectly with an accelerating airplane.
4. Bring Tools For Success
Even though I’ve been able to get my mind to the point of stability on most flights, I cannot help the automatic reaction my body gets when someone even mentions air travel. My stomach just did a flip at the thought of it! Little tiny heat packs are an absolute saviour on a flight, as a little warmth on my belly feels comforting and temporarily eases that stressful tummy pain (speaking of which, I always try to have gravel in my carry on in case of unexpected nausea). On our last trip, I also brought the Saje Travel Safe Kit (an incredibly thoughtful bridal shower gift from Amber – thanks, girl!) and LOVED it! The ‘Eater’s Digest’ roll also helped my upset stomach and the ‘Arrive Revived’ spray was the perfect treat just before landing. Cannot recommend the Travel Safe Kit enough for yourself or as a lovely gift for a friend!
5. Comfort/Trick Your Own Mind
Honestly? One of the important parts of flying is talking myself through it in my own head. I tell myself comforting and TRUE things like how safe air travel is. How there are literally hundreds of flights happening all over the world at that exact moment. That there’s no way the staff on the plane and air traffic controllers on the ground aren’t also aiming for anything but a smooth, routine journey. Know that there are some airports that are almost guaranteed to have a turbulent takeoff or landing. It’s all normal and the reality of air travel. To keep my mind off of things as best I can, I distract myself. Watch a really good movie or gripping tv show, do some writing or photo editing on the laptop, get completely lost in a great book. Especially on an anxious flight, it’s all about constantly moving and keeping busy. Any activity that can momentarily distract is an in-flight essential!
Keep in mind that traveling by airplane is remarkably cool and we’re all lucky enough to be able to experience it. You’ve got this. I believe in you. Wishing you all safe and enjoyable future journeys XO
Great tips! I also suffer from travel anxiety. I’m definitely purchasing that kit before my trip to aruba later this month