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09 March 2011 03:08
Fly above your fears
Aerophobia, Aviatophobia, aviophobia and pteromechanophobia are all fancy names for what people more commonly refer to as “fear of flying”. Why not try and overcome your fear of flying with this expert advice.
If you're nervous of flying, but still love going abroad, maybe it's time to do something about it. Airport Parking and Hotels (www.aph.com) helps nervous flyers combat their fears with the following top tips.
• Prepare for your flight. If you create checklists, pack in advance and leave plenty of time to arrive at the airport you will avoid rushing which can instantly increase anxiety. Arriving early at the airport will allow you time to look around the duty-free shops and have a snack at a restaurant, helping you to relax.
• Eat a decent meal before a long flight. Avoid sugars and refined carbohydrates and go for a balanced meal to ensure your blood sugars remain steady. Blood sugar levels can drop dramatically when you are stressed or nervous. The cabin pressure can also exaggerate the effects of alcohol so even though you may need a bit of Dutch courage, it’ll be better to stick to water or fresh fruit juice.
• Keep thinking positively. Once you have completed one journey, take that feeling of accomplishment and remember it on your next journey: you did it, you were ok and you can do it again.
• Inform cabin crew if you are a nervous flier. They are trained to deal with this situation and can reassure you by letting you know what to expect during the flight.
• Occupy your mind with things you enjoy. Take your I-pod on board and purchase your favourite magazines at the airport. You can even try googling “In Flight Yoga” (yes, really!) which will give you some great relaxing exercises you can do whilst in your seat with the strap fastened.
• Try deep-breathing exercises. The easiest and simplest way to calm the physiological reaction to anxiety. Start by sitting up as straight as possible, take a long, deep breath in through your nose and hold for 2 seconds then release slowly through your mouth. Try this a few times until you start to feel calmer.
• Only consider medication as a very last resort and it would be best to talk this option through with your GP. We recommend that you learn to control and handle your fear yourself rather than relying on medication.
Airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways run fear of flying courses which can help to overcome your fears. Flyers can also head to the ‘Know Before You Go’ section on the APH website which provides savvy, independent travellers the information they need to make smart pre-travel decisions.
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