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Original poster

HELP! I will be flying tomorrow, very anxious as I haven't flown in 10 years

9 replies

Nualabbe · 21/02/2023 07:46

This is a work related flight, Belfast to London and back in one day.
Any coping strategies or tips for takeoff.
I'm sick to the stomach and hate this feeling.
Any help at all I would be so grateful
Tyia

OP posts:
ouch321 · 21/02/2023 08:24

I love flying so can't put myself in that position per se but you could consider how safe it is, you are more likely to get hit by a bus etc, or take some music and headphones and an eye mask to distract you. Breathing exercises may help when you're panicking or might start from experience.

rosesarentalwaysred125 · 21/02/2023 08:25

what time are you flying? I hate flying and the only thing that works for me is a large glass of wine or two in the departure lounge, but that might not be professional if a work thing!

IheartBTS · 21/02/2023 08:32

This was me 5 yrs ago, when we flew long haul after having not flown for 10yrs! I was so anxious. I bought Rescue Remedy a few days before, and took it regularly on the day we flew. It definitely helped me.

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HolidayHappy123 · 21/02/2023 08:35

Try to disconnect your feelings from your thoughts. Acknowledge that you feel scared but also that it's just a feeling. The feeling does not mean you are unsafe.

And repeat....

Taught this through CBT which got me over my fear of flying several years ago.

You will be fine.

springisonthehorizon · 21/02/2023 08:39

I completely get how you feel. I hadn't flown for a similar amount of time due to fears - but have now done nearly a dozen flights in a year.

What really helped me was the BA Flying with Confidence course - it had lots of different aspects - technical info from pilots about safety/how planes fly as well as psychological tips, then you did a short flight in the afternoon just with the other people on the course - there was an extra pilot on the flight who talked you through every single noise/change etc, what was about to happen etc. That was v helpful and I recorded the take off and landing sections and now when I fly I put my headphones on and listen to/watch my take off video at the same time as we are actually taking off as then I have the reassuring voice of the pilot telling me what's happening.

Personally I found the technical side the most useful - understanding how the plane actually flies, what the different bits on the wings do etc and learning about the training the pilots do etc. Some people on the course liked the psychological tips (basically mindfulness/relaxation techniques).

Of course you don't have time to do the course before tomorrow but you could read the book on kindle - Flying with Confidence: The proven programme to fix your flying fears https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B5TBI8I?ref=cmmswrrapindpp_R2G8VZCMJP8S8SZ0ZZSX

Good luck... you can do this!

Original poster
Nualabbe · 21/02/2023 13:57

6am lol

OP posts:
springisonthehorizon · 23/02/2023 00:34

@Nualabbe how did it go?

Original poster
Nualabbe · 23/02/2023 08:14

It went really well thank you. I'm really grateful for all the tips and advice.
Thank you all so much, so glad it's over.

OP posts:
monomatapea · 23/02/2023 08:24

Nualabbe · 23/02/2023 08:14

It went really well thank you. I'm really grateful for all the tips and advice.
Thank you all so much, so glad it's over.

Well done.

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