Prepare For Takeoff
Sometimes all of us can use a little help from a pro. When it comes to flying, the staff here
at the clinic and some of our graduates have a few inspirational ideas, tips and tricks
we feel may help you get ready for your next flight.
PERSONAL SOUNDTRACK
People use music to motivate them to workout, so why not use music to motivate you to fly? Music is powerful. It can energize, or it can calm. Create a playlist of your favorite songs to listen to during taxi, takeoff, cruise and landing.
People use music to motivate them to workout, so why not use music to motivate you to fly? Music is powerful. It can energize, or it can calm. Create a playlist of your favorite songs to listen to during taxi, takeoff, cruise and landing.
Check out our Spotify playlist and find songs that will inspire and motivate you as you prepare to fly. Find a song or two that will be part of the soundtrack of your journey to more comfortable flight. Got a song in mind that's not on the list? Feel free to add it!
TREAT YOURSELF
TREAT YOURSELF
One of our recent graduates used flying to treat herself to things in which she wouldn't normally indulge. She's a very healthy eater, but for our graduation flight she brought along some candy and chips as a reward for all the hard work she had done to conquer her fear. This made flying special and gave her something to look forward to on board.
What is something special you could treat yourself to in order to make flying a little more appealilng? Maybe it's a first or business class seat or a day pass to the airline's premium lounge? Maybe even a little pre-flight mani/pedi/massage in the airport? Perhaps it's just some "me time" to read that book or watch that movie that you've been to busy to manage before. Whatever it is, make it something that you only associate with flying and it will be a small step toward making your time on an airplane or in an airport something to look forward to rather than dread.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Client after client tells us that one of the best pieces of advice they have received at the clinic is to introduce yourself to the flight deck and cabin crews of the flight(s) you'll be taking. If you spot them in the boarding area before boarding, use that opportunity to say hello and introduce yourself. If not then, then just do it as you board the plane. Let them know that you are a nervous flyer and just wanted to say hello. Most of the time you'll find they are welcoming and willing to help in any way possible. Occasionally you may catch them at a busy time (both pilots and flight attendants can be very busy with pre-flight duties during boarding), but most will make time for you. Just making that little connection with those who are charged with your care while flying can go a long way to put you at ease.
USE YOUR "W.I.T."
What works for one person may not work for everyone. With that in mind, use whatever it takes (W.I.T.) to help YOU manage your fear of flying. For some, the breathing exercises are key. For others, healthy distractions such as movies or music are what work. For some, it's a window seat, for others, an aisle. One client even swears by lifting his feet off the floor during turbulence, claiming it makes the turbulence less noticeable. Just as our fears are unique to us, so is what quells them. Take some time to find what works best for you, keeping in mind that alcohol and pharmaceuticals should be a last resort, and if used done so in moderation.