The Secret to a Calm Flight Starts Weeks Before You Take Off
Days and weeks before your flight can leave you in a “zombie” state, feeling completely consumed by worry. Feeling zapped of all your energy and unable to think about anything else is something I hear all the time from anxious flyers.
But here’s something you might not know: managing flight anxiety doesn’t begin when you step on the plane. The key to a calm flight starts much earlier. It all comes down to the work you put in during the days and weeks leading up to your trip.
The Power of Mindset Preparation
The good news? Feeling calm on flight day doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. By preparing your mind now, you can create the foundation for a smoother, more confident experience when the big day comes.
How Mindfulness Can Help
One of the most impactful ways to do this is through mindfulness. Mindfulness isn’t about trying to change or stop your thoughts—it’s about practicing how to come back to the present moment when your mind drifts to worried thoughts.
When we’re anxious, it’s easy to get stuck in spirals of “what if” scenarios. Mindfulness helps you gently guide your attention back to the here and now, creating a sense of calm and space between you and those anxious thoughts.
Try This Simple Mindfulness Practice
Here’s something you can try today: Set aside five minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breathing. When your mind drifts to worried thoughts (and it will), gently bring your attention back to what’s around you—what can you see, hear, and feel in this moment? This simple practice can calm your mind and help you stay more grounded.
When I work with fearful flyers in my programs, we often focus on skills for coming back to the present moment, and mindfulness is on of my favorite. It’s incredible to see how practicing this over time helps reduce worry and build confidence leading up to a flight.
What about you?
Have you tried using mindfulness to ease your pre-flight anxiety? Or is there something else that helps you feel more grounded? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you—drop your reply in the comments and let me know!
Remember, you can start managing your anxiety weeks before your flight by gently returning to the present moment whenever your mind drifts into worry. By practicing this now, you’ll make more mental space for calm and confidence on flight day.
You’ve got this!
If you need more help with flying anxiety, Grab the Free Flight Anxiety Toolkit for my top 12 tips here for more ease on your next flight.