04/ 02/ 2008
by Emily McMackin
Too anxious to travel by air? Here's how to lower your apprehension
Do you get fidgety just before boarding your business flight or claustrophobic as you push your way down a narrow aisle full of luggage and screaming babies? Do you grip the seat during takeoff or feel queasy during the landing? If you're a white-knuckle flyer, you're not alone. About 54 million Americans are afraid of flying. Your fear may be real, but it doesn't have to mess with your travel plans or stress you out before every business trip. Keep your cool with these tips:
- Book a flight on the biggest aircraft available and grab a window seat close to the front to lessen exposure to turbulence.
- Drink lots of water and avoid caffeine before boarding--dehydration increases anxiety.
- Once you get in your seat, breathe deeply and block out the chaos around you with mellow music from your iPod. Or get engrossed in a crossword puzzle or book of Sudoku.
Need more reassurance? Check out the Achieving a Comfortable Flight pack of booklets, tapes and cards. Created by a former pilot and a psychologist, the series teaches you everything you need to know about aircraft machinery, pilot training and flying through storms. For extra comfort, download pilot and therapist Tom Bunn's "Soar" podcast. He'll talk you through your aerophobia, and his tactics will help you conquer what could be the root of your fear--losing control.
This article is from the April/May 2008 issue of MyBusiness.
