I have a fear of flying. This is a problem for me since I board an airplane 100 times a year. A long time ago, I had to decide that if I wanted to continue to do the work I love, I had to cope with this fear of flying (or take some very long bus and train rides).
During most flights, I don’t have a problem. I happily watch movies, read or answer emails. But 5 flights a year, there is bad turbulence and I start to profusely sweat. At that time, I privately make deals with that spiritual force to be a better person or apologize to all the people I wronged.
Now this panic can last a few minutes or an hour, but it definitely is a very scary time for me. I know my fear of flying is about a loss of personal control stuck inside a narrow silver tube going up and down at 500 mph.
To cope with it (not get get over it), I have created a playlist on iTunes (which is 90 minutes just in case). This is high energy music that in my mind gets me from focusing on the up and down bumps to moving me to another place. Sometimes it works so well, I even start to dance in my seat to counteract the airplane bumps.
Here is the “Turbulence Tunes” playlist that maybe of help to you.
BTW, once a song makes the list, I never play it any other time since it forever reminds me of my fear of flying!
Other fear of flying tips:
Fly during the day. Brightness helps. There is nothing worse than turbulence at night when it is pitch black out.
Sit near a window. I find being able to look out the window and seeing any points of reference below helps especially with clear air turbulence .
There is an app for that. Turbcast will tell you the forecast of turbulence en route. Not always accurate, but a helpful guideline.
Visualize yourself in a boat. If you are comfortable on the water, turbulence is very much like waves on the sea.
What are your tips for the fear of flying?
