Jennifer Aniston And I Share A Fear Of Flying. Experts Gave Me The Same Two Tips To Get Over It
Speaking to Travel + Leisure earlier this April, Friends star Jennifer Aniston admitted: 'I have an extreme fear of flying.'
Up to 40% of us may have a similar phobia (I'm definitely one of them).
Jennifer had an interesting approach to dealing with the issue in the past – she says she used to tap the outside of the plane with her right palm before stepping onto it with her right foot.
Now, though, she says, 'I have been doing some hypnosis lately, and one of the requirements is to remove all of those superstitions... it's shockingly good.'
So, we spoke to psychologist and anxiety treatment expert Dr Hannah Holmes of Holmes Psychology, and travel expert Andy Marsh, founder of Polar Escapes, about how they recommend handling pre-flight nerves.
'Check the facts'
Dr Holmes told us that 'With any fear, it's important to evaluate whether it's grounded in reality.'
Those afraid of flying might be reassured by reading how safe the mode of travel is, she adds. 'Find the facts and then use that information to challenge unrealistic thoughts that cause you fear.'
Marsh agrees, saying: 'Before a flight, avoid seeking out negative information such as news articles and plane crash documentaries. It's a habit I was guilty of, and it only reinforces my fear of flying. ″
Flying is the safest mode of transport according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which found that the risk of fatality for flyers is one in 13.7 million passengers. That tiny risk goes down by 7% yearly, too.
Each expert also independently suggested 'exposure therapy' for nervous flyers.
'One of the keys to getting over fears is exposure,' Dr Holmes shares, advising we 'Start small, and work your way up' – even if that means 'Watching movies that involve flying.
'Once that no longer produces anxiety, move on to another challenge, like visiting an airport.'
Marsh writes, 'The more you fly, the less anxious you become. Making yourself get on that first flight is the first step to overcoming your fear of flying.'
He also recommended a technique Jennifer herself swears by – plain ol' distraction – alongside picking a seat you'll feel comfortable in ahead of the flight.
What if that doesn't cut it?
If your fears remain, Dr Holmes advises, 'Consider reaching out to a mental health provider who offers exposure therapy for fears and phobias.
'We know from decades of research that it is safe and effective.'
The NHS shares that Easyjet, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic all offer Fear of Flying courses, which they say 'are more effective than drugs and have none of the side effects.'
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