We keep telling you every time you talk about your irrational fear of flying. “This is the safest means of transportation.”. An argument that doesn’t fly in your mind, as it does for nearly 20% of travelers, if International Air Transport Association (IATA) figures are to be believed. And yet, according to Air France flight attendant and sophrologist Paolo Chavez, it’s entirely possible to control your anxieties. Handbook:
Before leaving
Anticipating your fear
Paolo Chavez is categorical. most of the work is done before the start. “Preparing yourself psychologically is a must to avoid panic on the day of your flight“. To do this, he recommends anticipating stress, bypassing catastrophic scenarios whenever they arise and focusing on the different things we will be able to do and discover on the spot rather than on the route. “Okay, I’m leaving. But visiting such and such a museum, bathing in such and such a beach, tasting such and such a local specialty… This is what will allow a phobic person to imagine things.– says the specialist.
Plan your trip in advance
In practice, it also banishes the last minute. You avoid packing your luggage the day before your departure, arriving at the airport in a hurry, not knowing where your identification documents are kept… In order to “reduce stress and not add to the fear of getting on a plane, the fear of potentially missing it“.
Wear comfortable clothing
Comfort is a priority! We wear baggy clothes like jogging or leggings and take our seats to feel safe. The sophrologist even recommends going with your own pillow or blanket to make it even better.”put yourself in your bubbleand thus travel more leisurely.
During the flight
Take care of the mind
“The key to forgetting your worries is to focus your attention on something else“, he reveals. During the flight we will therefore occupy the mind. In the program: coloring, music, video or sleep. That way there is no time to stress.
Introduce yourself to the cabin crew
“Prevention is better than curesays the proverb. A proverb confirmed by Paolo Chávez, who advises you to contact the ship’s crew so that they can reassure you, comfort you or accompany you. “That’s their job toohe exclaims. In some cases, if the plane is not full, the cabin crew may also change your seat to make it more comfortable. So it’s worth a try.
Breathe!
Are you on board? Your seat belt warning light is displayed. Your heart is racing, your forehead is dripping, your hands are sweaty… You’re about to have an anxiety attack. “To eliminate this state of panic, you need to control your breath.” advises the sophrologist. For this, he recommends abdominal breathing exercises. Hand on ankle, closed eyes. Then count the times of inspiration and expiration. Inhale for a few seconds, exhale for a double second. Repeat the exercise until you feel better. Staying focused on the breath allows the brain to forget the causes of its anxiety,” says the expert, who also recommends downloading the apps Mind or Petit Bambou (both available on Apple and Android).
After the jump
Relax
For phobics, plane rides can be psychologically exhausting. Therefore, Paolo Chavez advises to recover long enough for the body to rest. He advises, for example, not to plan too many activities on the day of arrival.
Waiting for his return
Barely at your vacation destination, impossible to enjoy, you’re already anxious about getting on your return flight…”As for the foreign trip, we will have to prepare ourselves psychologically againasks the specialist, who orders to focus on good times, pleasant feelings and positivity. Breathe, breathe… Breathe, breathe…
Source: Le Figaro
