If flying tends to make you nervous, you don’t have to spend the entire flight coping with anxiety. In fact, there are several ways to ease nervousness and stay calm, so you can have an enjoyable flight. The key to this is managing tension and keeping yourself occupied while you’re in the air. The following items are convenient ones that you can fit in your carry on bag the next time you fly.
Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners aren’t just for school children. These small gadgets, which TSA allows in carry on bags, have been helping adults deal with stress and anxiety as well. You can easily fit a fidget spinner in your carry on bag and pull it out when you start feeling nervous during your flight. Having one of these items with you gives your hands something to do, which can help reduce tension. It can also distract you from focusing on flying or being in the air. These handy gadgets come in a variety of colors and styles.
Stress Ball
If you tense up during flights, a stress ball provides an effective way to release muscle tension, which can have a calming effect on your mind and body. These items won’t take up much space at all in your carry on bag, and they’re simple to use during flights. Since all you’re doing is squeezing a rubber or gel stress ball in your hand, you won’t be making any noise or disturbing those next to you. Stress balls also give you something to focus on, which can help take your mind off of flying.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Listening to soothing sounds, such as white noise or rain, on your smartphone, MP3 player or tablet while you’re flying can help you feel relaxed. Using your regular ear buds might not be enough for you to make the most of this relaxation technique, though. The sounds around you can distract you from the ambient noises you’re listening to when you use your ear buds, so it’s better to bring a pair of noise cancelling headphones. These headphones block outside noises, which allows you to fully enjoy the relaxing sounds you’re listening to.
Puzzle and Coloring Books
Crossword puzzles give your brain a workout while also keeping you from dwelling on the fact that you’re in the air. You can find crossword puzzle books at varying difficulty levels, ranging from simple ones that you can breeze through to challenging ones that will keep you busy for some time. Coloring books for adults are a trend that can be highly useful for nervous flyers. Bring a coloring book or two with you, along with some colored pencils or crayons, and you can enjoy this relaxing activity during your flight.
Memory Foam Pillow
Being physically uncomfortable on a plane can make you feel more tense overall, leading to an even more nerve-wracking flight. Bringing a memory foam pillow with you helps you sit comfortably while also giving your neck muscles more support. Whether you’re listening to white noise or trying to get some sleep in order to stay calm and feel less stressed, you’ll be in a better position to do so.
Keep in mind that you can also practice deep breathing or meditation to help ease anxiety while flying. You don’t need any special items for these activities, and they can be highly effective at reducing stress.
