Facing a fear of flying

Those who fear flying face a real barrier to experiences and adventures.

But Dr Brian Ramos, a neuroscientist and researcher for the supplements company Simply Nootropics, has advice on tackling what for some is a crippling anxiety.

First he explains the psychology behind flight anxiety: “People’s past experiences, personality traits, and levels of general anxiety all play a role in how intensely they experience flying anxiety, making some individuals more prone to it than others.

“Unfortunately, with the increased news of aviation tragedies, many Aussies may be feeling even worse about their flight anxiety, or may even develop a new sense of unease they didn’t previously have.

“My goal is to put things back into perspective with some tips to soothe and overcome an anxious mind.”

He has these tips for combating flight anxiety:

Reframe anxiety as excitement

“Reframing anxiety as excitement can trick your brain into receiving your nervous system’s response more positively. Both anxiety and excitement trigger similar physical responses, like a racing heart and butterflies, but the key difference lies in how we interpret them. Instead of viewing these sensations as signs of danger, you can remind yourself they signal anticipation and energy. Tell yourself, ‘I’m excited about this experience’ instead of ‘I’m scared’. This mental shift encourages a positive outlook and transforms nervous energy into an empowering feeling, helping you feel more in control during and in the lead-up to the flight.”

Consider the facts

“Look around you — is anyone else freaking out? Aeroplanes are one of the safest modes of transportation. Statistically, the odds of an accident are extremely low, with air travel being far safer than driving in a car — something we all do regularly and don’t bat an eyelid at. Knowing these facts can help you challenge irrational fears. By focusing on the robust safety measures and the reality of air travel’s track record, you can feel more confident and reassured during flights.”

Preoccupy yourself

“Distracting your mind with a good podcast or book is a great way to manage flight anxiety by redirecting your focus away from fear-inducing thoughts. Engaging with a story or interesting conversation can keep your brain occupied. What’s more, time flies when you’re invested in something interesting and so, you may even find that your flight isn’t just more relaxing, but it feels a lot quicker too.”

Feel yourself panicking? Try to ground yourself with these tips

“To calm an anxiety attack during a flight, first, focus on your breathing. Practice deep, slow breaths; inhaling through your nose for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling through your mouth for four. Second, ground yourself using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. Finally, use positive self-talk, reminding yourself that the feelings are temporary and that flying is extremely safe, helping to redirecting your attention and reassuring yourself can significantly reduce anxiety. If it helps, try a free podcast that offers guided meditation.”

Living out of a suitcase & ‘The Avengers of Health’

Company co-founder Anthony Baxter was battling severe burnout when, with Stuart Vaughan, he started Simply Nootropics in 2021. Anthony was a frequent flyer, living out of a suitcase for 12 months a year and working non-stop while he was building a digital agency. He says his health was in tatters and his mental clarity diminished. But Anthony found the world of nootropics, and became focused on improving his wellbeing. He knew it was time to create a line of nootropics that were free from stimulants and caffeine. He brought together a team of experts (they call themselves “avengers of health”), which included his business partner with 15 years in the natural health industry and a close friend with a PhD in neurobiology from Yale University. They aim to help people “look, feel, and perform their best every day”.

simplynootropics.com.au