How to Overcome Fear of Flying

Also known by different names such as aerophobia, aviatophobia, aviophobia or pteromechanophobia, fear of flying is considered as an irrational fear. Had the fear been from driving, it would have been considered legitimate, as there is a high frequency of car accidents or car crashes. This is not in case of flights, as chances of airplane accidents are close to none. However, some people still find it difficult to overcome this fear. Fear of flying may cause panic attacks, nausea and in some cases, even anticipatory vomiting. The best way to overcome any kind of fear is to face it.

Do Not Misunderstand
Misconception has always been a common cause or source of fear. Most people develop the fear of flying owing to their lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms and physics behind airplanes. Grab as much knowledge as you can about air travel tips. Knowledge about airplane's backup system, security, airline safety measures, pilot training and all that is related to air travel, helps in reducing aerophobia. Studies have shown that, traveling by flight from New York to Los Angeles is 261 times safer than traveling on road.

It's Always the Same
Most fears sprout from negative thoughts about what is going to happen next? Thoughts like what would happen once the flight takes off? Why is the plane shaking so much? What if a turbulence strikes the plane? Why is there a strange feeling in the ears? Why does the plane have to move so fast while taking off? The human brain is a storehouse of assumptions.

Most of the time, the brain gets loaded with assuming the worst possibilities when it has to face something unusual. What might seem to be utterly strange to you on a flight, are the usual things that happens every time a flight takes off. As for example, the feeling of the ears being popping out is usual during a flight. This is due to the change in air pressure. As the flight gradually leaves the earth's surface, the air pressure decreases. Now people who have a fear of flying would normally misunderstand it as a 'bad signal' of something worst, that is going to happen. So having some basic knowledge as to why and how things happen, helps in reducing the fear to a great extent.

Meditation Helps
Meditation is one way through which you can lessen anxiety and calm your nerves. It helps in developing controlled breathing and rejection of negative thoughts. You can refer to different books, that have effective meditation techniques to help you before you go on a flight. Learn to preoccupy your mind by reading books, listening to music or playing some games during a flight. Do not think much about the flight, there is nothing strange about it!

Fly More Often
Flying frequently, in itself, is a great way to overcome the fear of flying. If you can become a frequent air traveler, and follow the above techniques, your flights will not seem to be strange anymore and gradually you will become used to them.

Fear is a manifestation of anticipation, and controlling the future. However, fear can also be regarded as a great teacher in our lives. It teaches us to learn and conquer things that seem impossible at the first sight. When fear dwells in our mind, it's an indication, that now it's the time when we should be strong enough to face the situation. Do not anticipate about the future and you will have no questions and you will have no fear in your mind.