How to Relax on Your Next Flight

Flying on an airplane is not always the enjoyable, comfortable ride the flight attendants and your captain promise. Riding 35,000 feet in the air can be a terrifying experience, even for experienced travelers. Use these tips and tricks to calm your nerves the next time you buckle up.

Breathe

It sounds obvious, but we humans can hold our breath without even knowing it. Preventing oxygen from getting to your muscles contributes to tension build-up and, as a result, anxiety. Practice a few breathing exercises before you board and once you’re settled into your seat. You can set an alarm on your phone (once it’s in airplane mode, of course) to remind yourself to deeply breathe from time to time.

Keep Yourself Busy

Read the in-flight menu or magazine, bring along some crossword or Sudoku puzzles or even save some office work for the flight. If you’re distracted by whatever is in front of you, you won’t be wondering whether you’re about to hit a patch of turbulence or whether the clouds outside are indicative of an upcoming storm. If you do hit turbulence, close your eyes and pretend you are in a car, driving over a bumpy patch in the road.

Unless you think it will make you more nervous, lift the window shade and get lost in the passing clouds. Sometimes focusing on what is outside your window is a good way to avoid thinking about the fact you are soaring through the sky.

Treat Yourself

They don’t call it comfort food for nothing. If you’re anxious before a flight, treat the journey as a chance to treat yourself. Buy your favorite snacks and drinks you normally don’t consume and reward yourself for making it through the trip. Bon voyage!