Some of us have no problem hopping on a plane to travel to new locations, but others find it highly stressful. A fear of turbulence, heights, or takeoff and landing can dampen your experience. Luckily, there are various ways to reduce stress levels, ranging from deep breathing to traveling with a loved one. Below, we’ll discuss some of the best tips for lowering your flight anxiety so that you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can calm your nerves and reduce anxiety. Plus, you can practice deep breathing whether you’re at home or sitting on the plane. Take a deep breath in, count to four, and then slowly exhale. Repeat this several times until you start feeling more at ease.
Keep Travel Day Simple
One way to reduce stress levels to keep your travel day as simple as possible. Try to arrive at the airport early. Having to rush through security can increase anxiety levels, so it’s best to give yourself plenty of time.
Wear comfortable clothing, too. Frequent flyers recommend wearing metal-free apparel that won’t set off any alarms at security, such as plastic buckle belts. One of the top benefits of travel-friendly belts is that you won’t have to remove them at security, so you can glide through and then relax at your gate.
Nourish Your Body
Eating a healthy meal on the day of your flight can give you the energy you need to tackle your trip. Aim to eat a full meal before leaving for the airport, as hunger can increase stress. You can also pack a snack for your flight, such as a protein bar or a bag of fruit or vegetables. Review your airline’s guidelines for bringing food onboard the aircraft, as foods such as yogurt must follow the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) liquids guidelines.
Additionally, consider doing a small workout before your flight to tire out your body and reduce stress. You could go for a light jog the morning of your flight or exercise the evening before your travel day.
Have a Travel Buddy
Our final tip on how to reduce your flight anxiety is to try traveling with a buddy. Flying becomes less daunting when you have a companion, as you’ll have someone to talk to throughout the flight. Your travel buddy can provide comfort and reduce your anxiety. If you’re traveling alone, consider conversing with your seatmate to make the flight more enjoyable.
Remember, everyone gets nervous occasionally, and that’s okay. By learning to cope, you can reduce stress levels and enjoy every moment of your trip. Put these tips into practice, and you’ll be sure to have a stress-free, enjoyable trip. Bon voyage!
