Research shows that approx 3 out of 10 people suffer from fear of flying. Some of them don't fly at all, while others only go if they really have to. There are also people with a fear of flying who just go, but who never do it for fun.
Fear of flying is extremely annoying and can be a reason to never take the plane again. But: because that is a real shame (because the world is too beautiful), we have collected a few tips and tricks for you that will allow you to fly without too much stress.
Prepare your flight and holiday well
For example, make sure you don't have other things to stress about. Book your flight tickets on time, arrange a nice stay, reserve a place for your car at the airport as with Park4You Eindhoven or at one of the parking spaces at Schiphol and check in advance how to get there from the airport to your accommodation. These are all things that you can normally also be stressed about, so it makes a difference if they disappear. By going to the airport well prepared and on time, you will probably feel a little calmer than if you still have too much chaos in your head.
Also read: Skyscanner | How to save (a lot of) money on flights
Avoid transferring while flying
What you should know when booking is that it is advisable to go for a direct flight if you suffer from fear of flying. That way you only have to take off once and land once (and again both once on the way back). Those are the moments that most people with a fear of flying experience as the most stressful, so how nice is it when you don't have to do that more often than necessary. The only downside to a direct flight is that they tend to be more expensive, but the calmer feeling is probably well worth it.
Eat little to no sugars and avoid caffeine and alcohol
Many people who suffer from a fear of flying have one or two alcoholic beverages before boarding the plane. As tempting as that is; it's not going to help reduce your anxiety. Alcohol makes those feelings bigger or makes you feel very drowsy. The same goes for sugars and caffeine; these substances can actually make you feel more anxious while flying, causing you to experience even more stress. That is exactly something you want to avoid when you go to your example to Asia or America flies.
Be aware of yourself while flying and think
Have you already boarded the plane and do you notice that the feelings of stress are suddenly increasing? Don't worry; You can also become calmer there by, for example, having enough distractions. Close your eyes, put on some headphones and think about the simplest things. Have you just departed from Eindhoven Airport? Then find out for yourself where to Eindhoven Airport Parking your car is. Or what you had for dinner last week. Or what the ride to the airport looked like exactly. These are all simple things with which you quickly become lost in thought and do not even realize that the plane has taken off.
Provide other forms of distraction as well
There are many other forms of distraction you can use on the plane. Make sure you have headphones with you to watch a movie on your phone during the flight or on the screen in the seat in front of you if one is available. Put a movie or a series on offline at home so that you can enjoy it undisturbed while flying. Are you not relaxed enough to focus on that? Then have a chat with your neighbour, bring an e-reader or put a puzzle book or coloring book for adults in your bag. The latter may sound a bit childish, but it can really ensure that you are more relaxed on the plane.
Pay close attention to your breathing and awareness
Finally, it is advisable to pay close attention to your breathing while flying. You probably notice that your heart rate is faster than usual. To calm down your heart and yourself, you can do breathing exercises. By doing these kinds of exercises, you will notice that you automatically become calmer and that you can sit in an airplane more relaxed. Via Google and YouTube you will find enough tips and tricks with which you can gain control over your breathing in an almost meditative way. In addition to coming to the airport well prepared, having your car parked properly and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, this is an indispensable tip against fear of flying.
