Do you dream of diving in exotic locations, yet feel fearful of flying to the point where you allow your worries to overcome your desire to see the world? If you do, you're not alone. Back in 1980, Boeing conducted a famous study, during which they discovered that as many as one in three people has some fear of flying. Many force themselves to fly, popping tranquilizers or throwing back a few stiff drinks to allay their fears and make it to their destinations without having complete meltdowns. Luckily though, most of us can take some simple steps to make flying easier to handle without the need for pharmacological intervention. Here, we'll take a quick look at some ways you can begin to conquer your fear of flying.
Understand that your fears limit your diving options
You can't get to most of the world's best diving destinations in your car, and driving to dive can cut into precious vacation time. Depending on alcohol or prescription drugs can put a damper on your mood and leave you vulnerable at times when you need your mind to remain sharp.
Understand that flying is safer than driving
Studies conducted by the University of Michigan and the Department of Transportation show that flying is between 29 and 33 times safer. Remind yourself of this frequently, then think about your own driving record. Most of us are never involved in a serious collision!
Understand that flying is safer than walking
Every year, over 7,000 pedestrians die in accidents. In America, more people die drowning in bathtubs and falling from ladders than die during flight-related accidents.
What to Do When Statistics and Common Sense Thinking Don't Help
Despite the facts, and despite our understanding that flying is safe, many people continue to suffer from fear of flying. Luckily, there are some additional things you can do to make flying less miserable for yourself.
Take a Course to Overcome Fear
As fear of flying is so common, a number of corporations and foundations, and even therapists in private practice have made an art form of the science of helping people eliminate the fear that is holding them back. In the event you don't want to spend time on the counselor's couch, you'll find that there are many books and audio programs designed to help you overcome your fear. These resources help you learn relaxation techniques, and they provide in-depth information about avionics so you'll understand what all those scary noises really mean. If these things don't help you, you may have some hidden roots to your anxiety, in which spending one on one time with a counselor can be incredibly helpful.
Additional Tips to Make Flying Easier
Make flying easier on yourself by allotting plenty of time to check in, without rushing, and without worrying. Use our tips on packing and preparing your dive gear to help yourself get ready in advance. Spend time focusing on your destination, and imagine the fun you're going to have once you get there. These things can help alleviate worry simply because they occupy your mind with other thoughts.
What you eat and drink before flying can affect the way you feel. First, don't fly on an empty stomach, but don't overeat or consume sodium-laden snacks before your flight. These can lead to discomfort and cause bloating. Stay well-hydrated, but avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol, and caffeine. Caffeine can contribute to feelings of anxiety, and gases from carbonated beverages can cause your stomach to expand as you gain altitude, causing physical discomfort.
If the feeling of gravity's pull on takeoff or landing causes your fear to spike, tighten your stomach muscles to help put a stop to the physical sensation that is making you feel ill at ease. If you feel more nervous when you sit by a window, tell flight staff that you're a nervous flyer, and ask for an aisle seat.
Finally, keep your mind busy throughout the flight, either by listening to your favorite music, reading a book, or even watching your favorite movies on your laptop. Wear comfortable headphones, and enjoy the fact you have nothing to do but sit and enjoy yourself for a few hours as you rapidly approach the destination you've been dreaming of visiting. If you find yourself feeling fearful, do what you can to redirect your thoughts, and imagine yourself enjoying the dive sites on your itinerary.
While these tips are simple, they are helpful. Give them a try, and if they don't work, be sure to seek professional help. There's no shame in seeing a therapist, and in the span of just a few short sessions, you'll find it much easier to get on a plane and go see the world. There's so much to enjoy in life; once you get to the root of your fears, you'll find new opportunities opening all around you.