MAKE THIS THE WEEK YOU...

BEAT YOUR FLYING FEAR

CANCEL OUT NOISES

A LOT of fearful flyers say the unfamiliar noises that aircraft make during takeoff, landing and in flight make them anxious. Although these odd noises are all normal, if you’re a nervous flyer, blocking these sounds out with noise-cancelling headphones really can help to lower your stress levels.

LEARN ABOUT JETS

LEARNING the basics about how an aircraft actually works can help dispel worries for nervous flyers, say the experts. Understanding how a plane can stay in the air, what happens during turbulence and what makes that strange thud as you take off can all help to rationalise fears and help you feel less concerned about air travel.

DISTRACT YOURSELF

DISTRACTION is a great way to avoid stress, so make sure you have an in-flight activity that requires concentration. Download a gripping audiobook to listen to. If you start to feel panicky, get out a pen and paper and try to sign your name over and over with your wrong hand. The focus this needs will take your mind off the flight.

USE A STRAW

IF YOU feel a rising sense of panic, pop a straw in your mouth and breathe through it, suggests Captain Ron Nielsen, who runs fear- of- flying courses. Controlling your breath will stop you having a full-blown panic attack.