If you know me, you know that doing anything out of my comfort zone is completely and totally intimidating.
I like safe.
I like secure.
I like being in control of anything and everything that pertains to my safety and security especially when I'm going somewhere I have never been.
On the other hand, I love convenience. I'm someone who will pay $5.99 to have food delivered to their doorstep instead of driving 5 minutes to order it and bring it home. I hate going to the mall and lose my mind when something isn't available on Amazon Prime shipping.
This also means I LOVE the convenience of air travel.
You can see where these statements can contradict themselves. Someone who loves control and security relinquishing all control to climb aboard a metal tube to jet through the sky sounds crazy right? It gets even crazier when you throw in a generalized anxiety disorder.
I'm by no means an experienced traveler, but I have faced my fair share of airport and airplane anxiety. Delayed flights, almost missing connections, thinking you've lost your luggage, soaked luggage from sitting on the tarmac in the rain, bad weather, storms, turbulence, overcrowded terminals, you name it, I've been there.
Because of this, and my obsessive need for structure and scheduling, I have found numerous ways to combat air travel anxiety and they can be broken down into three categories:
IN-AIRPORT
Get there early. This is something my dad always taught me. Your flight is at 8:00? Be there at 5:30. I'm late for everything. It's a flaw. But arriving to the airport early, getting through security, and giving yourself time relax before boarding is key.
Check to see if incoming flights are on time before arriving at the airport. Knowing if your flight is delayed early instead of waiting for the announcement or alert on your phone can eliminate stress and allow for travel modifications.
Drink plenty of water. Did you know airplanes dehydrate you? Because they do. Drink plenty of water prior to your flight to stay hydrated and headache free (but pee before you board!).
Deep breathing. While relaxing in your terminal might be impossible, find a seat, put in your headphones, and take deep breaths and close your eyes. Unclench your teeth, relax your shoulders.
Take your medicine! If you're like me, you have a PRN anxiety medication you can take before you board and allow it to enter your system. If you don't, Dramamine or Benadryl work just as well.
PRE-FLIGHT
Make sure your music/podcasts are pre-downloaded. You want to have in-flight entertainment that YOU like so you can nap/relax. Make sure you already have your media downloaded to your device so you aren't stuck without.
Chew gum. Start early to relieve the pressure in your ears during take off and at high altitudes. Your head and your ears will thank you later.
Establish armrest dominance. This goes without explanation.
Open (or close) your window blind. I'm scared of heights and hate turbulence. If it's cloudy or stormy out, I start the flight with my blinds closed so I don't have to see our climb into the clouds.
IN-FLIGHT
Close your eyes and deep breathe. The key to combating any form of anxiety is breathing and maintaining a consistent heart rate. Fight or flight. If you're uneasy on an airplane, lean back, relax, and breathe.
Eat your snacks! Snacks are good for the soul. But never order a Diet Coke, Don't be that dickhead. I stick with water- hydration, hydration, hydration.
Read a book. If you can't sleep, read. I have a designated airplane book (The Book Thief) and I take it in my backpack on every trip.
Don't let the atmosphere around you impact your mood. Babies crying suck. Snoring old men suck. Crowded airplanes full of body odor suck. But if a baby waves at you, wave back, it's the law.
When the flight lands, don't rush to get off. People who stand up as soon as they are allowed are trash. I don't make the rules. They are. Let yourself decompress after landing and stretch.
Flying is awesome. You get where you want to be quickly, you're taken care of, and you're able to cut down on your travel time. Sometimes it's necessary to relinquish the control you so desperately want in order to arrive on time (or early) and have ample opportunities to take in your destination.
Remember to breathe deeply, hydrate, and smile!
Ciao,
Courtney
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