5 Steps to De-Stress Holiday Travel

By Captain Tim Griffin

The holiday traveling season is here, complete with long lines and unforeseen delays. This can test even the most experienced traveler, and have even more of an effect on those of us who aren’t so enthusiastic about the prospect of getting on a plan. Not everyone has an intense fear of flying that leaves them paralyzed, but most people experience some level of discomfort when it comes to air travel.  If you’re one of them, here are some simple steps from my program, FlyHome LLC, that will prepare mentally and physically for your next flight!

1. Anticipatory Anxiety is the number one issue with most fearful flyers. The only way to overcome this is by gradually learning to feel more comfortable during flight, so before hand, you will have less to worry about.
2. Don¹t check the weather more than two days out from your trip; this causes a substantial amount of anxiety should the flyer see a percentage for rain or storms. The truth is, it is not that accurate that far out anyway.
3. Pack a few days early. Rushing around packing the night before while you are already anxious will only fuel the fire.
4. Exercise, and avoid caffeine. Exercising can help minimize the effects of anxiety, while caffeine can increase the effects.
5. At the airport, the TSA security check is an anxiety increaser, but not if you¹re prepared. Take off all jewelry, remove all items from your pocket, take your belt off, all prior to getting in line. Put all of the items in your carry on, and this way, you¹re not rushing to remove everything while everyone behind you is waiting on you. It¹s the little things that alleviate stress!