Expert reveals how to cope with flight anxiety
While thousands of Aussies travel by plane everyday, not everyone is so relaxed about air travel.
According to recent Google data, searches for advice on flight anxiety are on the rise by more than 5000 per cent.
Thankfully, there is help out there for those who struggle with anxious thoughts around flying.
Researcher and neuroscientist Dr Brian Ramos from Simply Nootropics explained why some people are impacted more than others.
"People's past experiences, personality traits, and levels of general anxiety all play a role in how intensely they experience flying anxiety, making some individuals more prone to it than others," he told 9Travel.
He went on to offer four ways to combat flight anxiety on your next trip.
Reframe your anxiety as excitement
Dr Ramos believes that by redefining the physical signs of anxiety as excitement for your holiday, you can fool your brain into thinking differently.
"Reframing anxiety as excitement can trick your brain into receiving your nervous system's response more positively," Brian said.
"Both anxiety and excitement trigger similar physical responses, like a racing heart and butterflies, but the key difference lies in how we interpret them.”
"Instead of viewing these sensations as signs of danger, you can remind yourself they signal anticipation and energy."
Think about the facts
Looking at your situation practically can help calm your anxious mind when on a plane, according to Dr Ramos.
"Look around you - is anyone else freaking out? Aeroplanes are one of the safest modes of transportation," Brian said.
"Statistically, the odds of an accident are extremely low, with air travel being far safer than driving in a car - something we all do regularly and don't bat an eyelid at."
Keep yourself busy
By tapping into mindful activities can help push anxious thoughts to the back of your mind.
As Brian says, "Distracting your mind with a good podcast or book is a great way to manage flight anxiety by redirecting your focus away from fear-inducing thoughts."
"Engaging with a story or interesting conversation can keep your brain occupied.”
Re-centre your brain if you feel yourself spiralling
"To calm an anxiety attack during a flight, first, focus on your breathing," Brian said.
"Practice deep, slow breaths; inhaling through your nose for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling through your mouth for four.”
"Second, ground yourself using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.”
"Finally, use positive self-talk."
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