How to help calm fear of flying nerves before take-off in just 60 seconds
FLYING isn’t easy for some of us – it can make people anxious and even result in panic attacks in the air.
Known as aviophobia, if you're panicking before takeoff then breathing exercises can help to calm you down in under one minute.
Read on for our tips, from relaxation and breathing exercises to where exactly is best to sit on the plane for a smoother journey.
Try breath lengthening
reports that breath lengthening is one of the simplest yet most effective breathing techniques and will help to calm you down if you are panicked.
Sit up straight, and inhale deeply through your nose, before exhaling again through your nose (not your mouth).
Block one nostril with a thumb and inhale slowly, then hold your breath while covering the other nostril, then exhale slowly through the other nostril.
Repeat until you feel calm.
Book a seat over the wing of the plane
Where you sit on your flight could make a big difference as to how smooth your ride is.
Professional pilot Jonny Knowlson writes a blog called Jonny the Pilot and revealed to Sun Online you should sit over the wing if you want to avoid turbulence as much as possible.
Download an app
Meditation apps like Headspace have specific tutorials for meditating when flying.
Make sure to download the app to your phone and pack some headphones - this should really help to calm you down if panic strikes.
Sun Online Travel previously revealed a flight attendant's tips for getting a decent night's sleep when you're away on holiday.
A frequent flyer also revealed her tip for getting an upgrade when you fly - by saying one simple phrase.