Do you experience anxiety while flying? If so how do you cope with it?

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   theframjakposted 12 years ago

   Do you experience anxiety while flying? If so how do you cope with it?
   
   I would like to know how others have learned to deal with it.

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2. 81

   purl3agonyposted 12 years ago

   Hi theframjak - One answer is, of course, medication.  But I assume you're looking for some advice that doesn't involve a trip to the pharmacy.  Here's a few ideas:
   
   1.  But sure to have some activity to do at the airport and while you are on the plane that will distract you from your anxiety.  Some examples are;  a good book, work for your job, crosswords, even knitting!
   
   2.  Try researching and learning some type of yoga breathing technique that relaxes you and prevents anxiety (or even lamaze breathing?).
   
   3.  Take the train - just kidding!
   
   Good luck!  I hope you find some relief!

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      theframjakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your detailed answer purl3agony.  I'll have to work on these to prepare for my next flight.

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3. 71

   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   Yes, my husband and I both. While I just get some gum and feel a little anxiety before the flight and during take off, my hubby always gets drunk before a flight. If he goes onto a plane when sober, he starts tapping his fingers, shifting in his seat, eyes shuffling everywhere, breathing heavy, basically an anxiety attack. When drunk, he just sits there like a statue thinking of ways the plane can go down.

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      theframjakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing lburmaster.  Long flights, anything over 2 hours are the hardest.  I've never had alcohol on the flight.  I may have to try it to see if it helps, but it may make it worse.  Maybe I should try gum instead.

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   JThomp42posted 12 years ago

   The more you fly, I think the easier it gets. Being in a career where flying was essential, it was just something that I had to overcome.

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   1. 82

      theframjakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks JThomp42, I have good flights and bad flights, hopefully it will get better as I fly more.

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      JThomp42posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You are very welcome.

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   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   No, I have never flown but thinking about it makes me anxious...and not to be a smart a$$ but I deal with it by NOT getting on a plane, ever.
   
   I have one daughter that travels a lot for her job and doesn't think twice about flying or being in huge airports.  My other daughter and her family fly regularly when they go on vacation and the grandkids love it.  Wow, more power to them
   
   As I get older I deal with anxiety in a very foolish way--avoidance.

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   1. 82

      theframjakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      lburmaster, if I had my way I would avoid it, but I have to travel from time to time for my job.  I always marvel at people like your daughters that fly without a second thought.  I wish I knew their secret.

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