Whether you have never flown before or you are signed up for various flight rewards programs, flying can feel overwhelming for many people. One of the easiest ways to reduce anxiety surrounding time spent at the airport is to know what to expect. Once you feel ready for the journey, you can enjoy all of the exciting aspects of traveling without the added stress.
1. Be Prepared
While it sounds obvious, being prepared for your trip is the first step to feeling more relaxed, and it involves more than just packing. Knowing what time your flight departs, what time it boards, and how long security typically takes at your nearest airport are all basic pieces of information to establish. Once you have that under control and recorded somewhere reliable, you can take further steps depending on your comfort level. For example, if you are looking to speed up the process and fly often, you might consider looking into TSA PreCheck, which will let you bypass most of the line at security. Another step would be to schedule a ride in advance, whether you are having a friend take you or using a form of public transportation.
2. Pack Wellness
If you pride yourself on your health, it can be difficult to find a way to accommodate those priorities when you are overwhelmed with the traveling process. One of the easiest ways to feel mindful of your health is to simply pack it in your bag. Bringing personalized vitamins that are tailored to support your health goals can provide some comfort that you’ll be getting the nutrients you want, even when your only option is greasy airport food.
3. Be Ready To Adapt
One of the best things you can bring with you on any journey is a positive, flexible attitude. As much as you can prepare, things don’t always go according to plan. Unfortunately, this is just the reality of traveling, so rather than fighting against it, try your best to embrace it. If you unexpectedly get stuck with a long layover, incorporate the adventure into the trip. Leave the airport and go exploring, especially if it is a new city you have never been to. When delays or accidents happen, do your best to remain calm and collected with the staff. Showing them kindness and treating them like human beings will only benefit you in the long run. While there may be frustrations along the way, the easiest way to be ready for whatever the trip throws at you is to simply go with the flow.
4. Consider Comforts
If you’re on a longer flight, especially if it’s overnight, chances are you will want to take a nap. If you don’t want to condemn yourself to nodding off every which way, look into a travel pillow. Even a small amount of neck support can go a long way when exhaustion hits. You can also bring a small blanket or sweatshirt in your carry-on bag if you anticipate being cold. Lastly, if you are sensitive to light, a sleep mask can help block out some of the brightness of the cabin.
5. Download Content
Depending on what airline you are flying and the duration of your flight, there may or may not be entertainment available to you on the flight. If you are unsure, it’s always a good idea to download your own content, such as songs, books, and movies to your devices. Most music apps will have an option to download playlists or specific songs so that they are available for listening to, even when your device is on airplane mode. If you are looking to read on the flight and don’t want to carry around a physical book, checking books out from a digital library is a good option.
There is much more to flying than taking off and landing. If you feel anxious about an upcoming trip, consider the five tips above when planning your journey. Considering all these aspects before you depart can give you peace of mind and make more room for excitement.
