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How to Cope With Anxiety on an Airplane
- By Rich Presta
- Published 09/7/2010
- Managing anxiety
Rich Presta
Rich Presta was a victim of anxiety and panic associated with driving. With the collaboration of clinical psychologists he has developed multiple self-help programs used by both individuals and professionals around the world, including: Driving Fear Program The Panic Puzzle The Anxiety-Free Child The Takeoff Today Program
A fear of flying is a very common, yet very treatable condition.
It can be caused by a bad experience on board a plane, such as encountering severe turbulence while flying or an abnormal operation while on board such as an engine failure or emergency landing...
but most commonly, what a fearful flier is afraid of while flying is simply the way that their fear and anxiety makes them feel.
Fear is a normal, healthy reaction to something that threatens us.
It has been around virtually since the dawn on man to protect us and keep us alive.
Fear is a GOOD thing.
However, anxiety is the fear of what MAY happen, not of what really IS happening, and it can be much more problematic and even destructive such as with the fear of flying.
Back in the days of caveman, fear and even a certain amount of anxiety was normal and beneficial. In todays world, and especially while flying, there is seldom anything to be legitimately afraid of or to feel threatened by.
Our world and simply a very safe place and on board a commercial plane is one of the safest places to be. Evolution hasn’t caught up with our rapid advances in safety however, so we still hold onto that old, outdated fear reaction that we did when we roamed the world with saber toothed tigers.
When you experience anxiety while flying, the first thing to do is ask yourself if you’re afraid of what IS happening or what MAY happen.
You’ll find that what is truly bothering you on the plane probably isn’t reality, but the thoughts and feeling you’re creating.
Get yourself back into reality and resolve to live in the moment, where you are perfectly safe and secure on board the plane.
Deep breathing may also help, as will progressive muscle relaxation, both of which are skills you can easily learn to help you cope with your fear of flying.
If your fear of flying is mild, this may be all you need to help you feel better when you fly.
If you have concerns about the plane being involved in an accident or crashing, you may find relief by learning about flying and the aviation industry in the free report available from the Takeoff Today Program website.
It explains in great detail, in an easy to understand, simple language, how planes fly and why you should feel good about putting your trust in the flight crew.
If your anxiety is more severe, if you avoid flying, have anticipatory anxiety about an upcoming flight, or have panic attacks while flying, it is recommended that you learn to control your reaction of anxiety while flying.
This can be easier than you think with the right approach, and the full Takeoff Today Program offers an easy to follow, step by step, affordable way to conquer your fear and anxiety while flying.
~~~~
Testimonial --
"I'm Jeffrey Skiles, and no one has more reason to be afraid to fly than me.
I was one of the pilots of US Airways Flight 1549 which lost both engines and ditched in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. Despite that life changing experience, I was back in the cockpit only 2 weeks later without even a twinge of fear because I understand what flying is all about.
The Takeoff Today program will help you better understand your experience of flying, cope with your anxiety or even panic on board the plane, and put your fears behind you. Use it to tackle your fears and discover how to fly in comfort and confidence."
Co-Pilot Flight 1549 "The Miracle on the Hudson" and Contributor to the Takeoff Today Program
It can be caused by a bad experience on board a plane, such as encountering severe turbulence while flying or an abnormal operation while on board such as an engine failure or emergency landing...
but most commonly, what a fearful flier is afraid of while flying is simply the way that their fear and anxiety makes them feel.
Fear is a normal, healthy reaction to something that threatens us.
It has been around virtually since the dawn on man to protect us and keep us alive.
Fear is a GOOD thing.
However, anxiety is the fear of what MAY happen, not of what really IS happening, and it can be much more problematic and even destructive such as with the fear of flying.
Back in the days of caveman, fear and even a certain amount of anxiety was normal and beneficial. In todays world, and especially while flying, there is seldom anything to be legitimately afraid of or to feel threatened by.
Our world and simply a very safe place and on board a commercial plane is one of the safest places to be. Evolution hasn’t caught up with our rapid advances in safety however, so we still hold onto that old, outdated fear reaction that we did when we roamed the world with saber toothed tigers.
When you experience anxiety while flying, the first thing to do is ask yourself if you’re afraid of what IS happening or what MAY happen. You’ll find that what is truly bothering you on the plane probably isn’t reality, but the thoughts and feeling you’re creating.
Get yourself back into reality and resolve to live in the moment, where you are perfectly safe and secure on board the plane.
Deep breathing may also help, as will progressive muscle relaxation, both of which are skills you can easily learn to help you cope with your fear of flying.
If your fear of flying is mild, this may be all you need to help you feel better when you fly.
If you have concerns about the plane being involved in an accident or crashing, you may find relief by learning about flying and the aviation industry in the free report available from the Takeoff Today Program website.
It explains in great detail, in an easy to understand, simple language, how planes fly and why you should feel good about putting your trust in the flight crew.
If your anxiety is more severe, if you avoid flying, have anticipatory anxiety about an upcoming flight, or have panic attacks while flying, it is recommended that you learn to control your reaction of anxiety while flying.
This can be easier than you think with the right approach, and the full Takeoff Today Program offers an easy to follow, step by step, affordable way to conquer your fear and anxiety while flying.
~~~~
Testimonial --
"I'm Jeffrey Skiles, and no one has more reason to be afraid to fly than me.
I was one of the pilots of US Airways Flight 1549 which lost both engines and ditched in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. Despite that life changing experience, I was back in the cockpit only 2 weeks later without even a twinge of fear because I understand what flying is all about.
The Takeoff Today program will help you better understand your experience of flying, cope with your anxiety or even panic on board the plane, and put your fears behind you. Use it to tackle your fears and discover how to fly in comfort and confidence."
Co-Pilot Flight 1549 "The Miracle on the Hudson" and Contributor to the Takeoff Today Program

