Tips For Surviving a Plane Ride

Maybe you have anxiety or you just don't like planes but here are some of my tips to get through it.

Take offs
 I find this to be one of the scariest parts. The best thing for me is to put on music loud enough that I can't hear the plane sounds, close my eyes, think of the things that make me most happy/calm and just try to pretend I'm not on a plane. I will admit I look like there is something seriously wrong with me when I do this but when you're really freaked out you won't care about how you look as long as you get through it.

During the plane ride
Distractions, distractions, distractions. Make sure you have a movie to watch, music to listen to, or even a book to read if you can handle that.

Feeling Trapped
If you are feeling really stuck in your seat, get up. Go take a walk or go into the bathroom for a little alone time and to stretch out. Although you feel safest in your seat, the walk may help you calm down. If you can't do this, use distractions or change your position to hopefully help it out.

Food
If you can eat normally on a plane ignore this one but for me I can never eat anything while traveling which is awful. I do not recommend eating nothing because if you do get sick, it's intensely painful. Try to eat light things and bring a couple of snacks onto the plane if you can. You will feel better having food you like to eat. If not go for the most plain thing offered. If you really can't eat anything, at least drink water because dehydration feels awful.

Landing
Also known as hell itself. This is the worst part for me. Follow the steps of take offs. Loud music, closed eyes, happy calming thoughts, visualizing yourself somewhere else however add in some deep breathing. Focus everything on your breathing. Put your hand on your chest so you can feel each inhalation and exhalation. If you are really feeling anxious or sick just keep telling yourself "I can do this" or "I can make it through this" or "I will be fine" even if you don't believe it.

Afterwords
If you made it through this trip without getting sick or having a panic attack make sure you congratulate yourself. It was a hard thing for you but you did it and you should be proud of yourself. Even if you are still feeling a bit off, get a little treat for later as a reward.
If something did happen during this trip know that it's okay. You tried your hardest and you just couldn't prevent it and it's okay that it didn't go well. Next time you'll do better. After getting off the plane make sure you sit down for a bit before doing anything else. Don't feel bad about what happened. Next trip you'll do better.

To anyone who is nervous about flying hopefully that helped. These are just my personal tips. You may notice I didn't mention any sort of medication or sleeping pills because I'm unable to swallow pills and I generally don't use any sort of medication to get through my issues, yes it is necessary sometimes and sometimes it would be easier to just take medicine but what can I say I'm stubborn.