If you are afraid of flying, or you are in an airplane for the first time, it can be a very nerve-wracking experience. When you’re scared, the takeoff can be the worst part. You feel the plane start to move and panic sets in. You shouldn’t have to go through this, and you don’t have to. There are things you can do that make it possible for you to stay calm during takeoff and actually enjoy the experience.
Instructions
1. Pull the shade down on the window. For some people, actually seeing the takeoff makes the fear worse and panic could set in. Keeping the shade closed will block the view of the plane leaving the ground. When you’re in the sky and you finally do look outside, it seems as though you’re flying over a map instead of actual ground.
2. Do some deep breathing. Before the plane even starts to move, take deep breaths in and out, over and over again. Focus on your breathing instead of what the plane is doing. You’re body will feel relaxed and before you know it you’ll be completely calm.
3. Have a conversation. Talk to the person that you’re traveling with about anything other then your fear of flying. Discuss your family, your job and even world news. Those are three subjects that you can talk at length about so by the time you’re finished, you’ll barely even notice you’re flying at all.
4. Hold someone’s hand. If you are traveling with a friend or family member, hold their hand. If you’re traveling by yourself, then squeeze your own. It doesn’t matter if you feel like you look ridiculous, you are the one feeling panic and fear. You should do what you have to in order to get it to pass.
5. Think about your destination. When you’re concentrating on where you’re going and what you’re going to be doing, it keeps your mind off of flying. Don’t even think about the way that you’re getting there, just think about the destination itself.
6. Put on your headphones and play some music. If you’re playing your favorite music, you can sing to it in your head and focus on that. Keeping your eyes closed helps even more. By the time the song is over, takeoff will be over, you’ll be flying evenly and you'll feel more at ease.
