As the warm breeze of summer approaches, so does the excitement of holiday plans.  But for many, the joy of travel is overshadowed by a common yet often unspoken worry: the fear of flying.  If turbulence makes your heart race or the thought of take-off leaves you in a cold sweat, you arenot alone!  It is estimated that around 10% of the UK population has a fear of flying.  Interestingly, many aerophobics know their fear is irrational, yet this knowledge does little to reduce the fear.

The good news?  There’s still time to tackle your anxiety before your summer break, and I am confident that I can help.  Let’s explore how you can transform your fear into confidence, thus allowing you to truly enjoy the run-up to your summer holiday.

Understanding aerophobia or the fear of flying affects millions worldwide, so it is not unusual.   But here are some facts to help you get started:

• Flying is actually the safest form of transport, safer than travelling by car, train or boat. In fact, plane crashes are extremely rare.
• It is mandatory for pilots to be tested and re-tested regularly; if they don’t pass, they are not permitted to fly! This isn’t the case with driving a car.
• A plane can safely fly with just one engine. This is something that pilots practice regularly in a simulator along with other safety procedures.
• Turbulence is not dangerous. It’s helpful to liken it to being on a bumpy road.  If you have your seatbelt on, any risks are substantially lessened.

The impact of flight anxiety on your summer travel plans

• You may experience high levels of anticipatory anxiety before travel
• You may physically experience symptoms before travel such as sweating, a churning stomach, dizziness, and hyperventilation or you may withdraw and go quiet.
• Avoidance – you may avoid flying wherever possible and only agree to fly if absolutely necessary.
• Your imagination may run wild with visions of catastrophic scenes whilst flying that cause you distress.
• It may impact your relationships as you feel that you are unable to travel.
• You may worry that you may lose control and draw attention to yourself by your behaviour.

Proven techniques to calm your nerves before and during flights

• Put things in perspective – you know it’s never been safer to travel by plane.
• Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.
• Skip the alcohol – it might be tempting to reach for a drink to calm your nerves, but this can impact your anxiety levels and it is dehydrating. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine on or before a flight can help create a sense of calm.
• Plan ahead – where you sit can make a difference. Passengers in window seats, for instance, are less likely to be struck by falling objects from the overhead lockers.  Seats further forward and next to the wing will typically be less bumpy compared to the rear of the aircraft.
• What calms you? Before you travel think about what calms you, such as listening to a podcast or relaxing music, a sketchbook for doodling, a crossword?
• Try focusing on your breathing
• Consider therapy – specifically hypnotherapy it's been successfully proven .

How hypnotherapy can help you -

Hypnotherapy is a powerful, non-invasive approach to overcoming aerophobia.  The hypnotherapist will work with you to discovery new ways of coping, by creating a bespoke toolbox to help you manage anxiety before and during the flight.

Here’s how it can help:

• Relaxation techniques – these can be learned and used before and during the flight.
• Breathwork – help to calm the nervous system during peak
• Build your self-confidence to help you feel more in control
• Running through the travel scenario and addressing specific fears and anxieties that arise in a safe, controlled environment.
• Create new positive thoughts about flying – with the aim being to transform it into an enjoyable experience.

With the right tools and support, you can transform your travel experience from one of anxiety and stress to one of excitement and adventure.  Hypnotherapy offers a gentle yet powerful way to address your fear of flying and potentially open up a world of stress-free travel opportunities.  If you’re dreaming of a tropical beach holiday with your friends & family or a historical city break, or a serene mountain retreat, the journey there can be just as enjoyable as the experience at the destination itself.  Why not take the first step towards confident flying today.  Get in touch to book an exploratory call and start your journey towards stress-free travel.