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If you have an upcoming trip and feel nervous about flying, you're not alone. It's a common fear. A psychologist offers some advice on how to ease your worries.
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CLEVELAND - We’ve all heard that flying is the safest way to travel, but you’re not alone if you still get anxious before stepping on a plane.
“Flying is stressful. Over 25 million Americans indicate that they have some level of fear around flying, so it is quite common,” explained Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic. “For some, it can mean sleepless nights and a little bit of anxiety. For others, it can be debilitating.”
To curb any anxiety before your next flight, Dr. Albers recommends reading up on the safety statistics about flying.
Watching different videos about how planes work and what passengers experience can help as well.
As for the day of your flight, Dr. Albers suggests arriving at the airport early to avoid any added stress.
If nerves strike before boarding, try to focus on all the things you’re looking forward to once you land.
It’s also a good idea to bring something to keep you busy during the flight.
“Focus on creating a calming environment. Whether it’s bringing noise-cancelling headphones or downloading a movie on your tablet, find something to help keep your mind distracted so you’re not ruminating or worrying. This is going to help your flight go much faster and reduce your anxiety,” Dr. Albers said.
If flying still makes you nervous, Dr. Albers recommends seeing a mental health professional for even more strategies to overcome your fear.
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