Mental Health

Turbulence Anxiety: What Experts Say You Should Do

By Dynne C. | Update Date: Nov 21, 2023 03:12 AM EST

Like any other fear, aviophobia is not an easy thing to overcome. Whether it's for a business meeting, a vacation with your best friends, or a trip home to see your family, sometimes, you just have no choice but to get on that plane. And then there's the added stress of having turbulence anxiety -- how do you deal with it?

In aeronautics, turbulence is the term used to describe a situation when an airplane hits an unstable strong wind current that causes a bumpy ride. For some people, this can cause anxiety. Here are some tips you can do to avoid it.

Do not sit in the back

If you are a nervous flyer, try to book a flight that lets you choose your seat, and do not sit in the back. Experienced flight attendant and Cruising Attitude author Heather Poole says that turbulence is worse at the back of the plane. 

Selecting seats over the wings or in the front of the plane can minimize the effect of turbulence, and you can feel that the ride is safer.

Pay attention to weather reports and forecast

When planning your trip, try to look at the weather forecast and see if you have other options for selecting a schedule. While these are not 100% accurate, they give you a good idea of what to expect. 

Aside from that, it is also advisable to pay attention to what the pilot says. At the start of every flight, they give announcements on the current weather conditions at your place of departure and arrival.

Practice grounding techniques

Even when you're in the air, you can practice grounding techniques, like rhythmic breathing. Clinical manager of behavioral health services and licensed clinical social worker Mark Debus explains that these techniques will help you focus more on relaxing your body than the anxious thoughts in your head.  

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