Conquering My Fear of Flying
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Aviation.
Conquering My Fear of Flying
Many people, myself included, are afraid of flying. In fact, 1 in 6 adults shares this fear. For some, like me, it’s not a rational fear. All my logical skills seem to vanish at the thought of boarding a commercial plane, despite the fact that I grew up flying with my father, who owns a small plane.
My fear began in my preteen years after an aborted takeoff during a commercial flight. Initially, I wasn’t scared, but when the incident made local news, my anxiety grew. As I became more aware of my own mortality, I realized I dislike entrusting my life to unknown pilots.
However, I've been working to overcome this fear, gradually restoring my peace of mind. It's a long journey, but I make progress every day.
One method I use is setting a large image of a commercial plane as my computer desktop background, ideally the model I’ll be flying on. This visual exposure initially increased my anxiety, but over time, I conditioned myself to it, and it no longer bothers me.
I also watch online videos of planes taking off and landing. My favorites are filmed from inside the plane, with views of the wing. Hearing the engines roar and seeing the ground recede helps me become accustomed to these experiences, all from the comfort of my recliner with headphones.
Additionally, I’ve found online courses for anxious flyers and read every book I can find on overcoming this fear. These resources are invaluable, especially as my departure date approaches.
I avoid news about plane crashes. The media sensationalizes these rare events, which only fuels fears. Instead, I focus on reassuring statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Although the odds of a crash range from 1 in 400,000 to 1 in 10 million, such figures often mean little when you’re anxiously seated in a metal tube.
Recognizing that I need help, I've been trying to view air travel logically. With each trip, I aim to improve. For those with similar fears, I recommend exploring online resources and seeking professional help if needed. It’s okay to seek support; together, we can learn to tolerate, or even enjoy, flying, allowing us to take those amazing vacations, visit family, or pursue exciting job opportunities.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Conquering My Fear of Flying.
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