If you’re scared of traveling or flying, you are not alone. Around 10% of the UK population suffer from phobias. These include Arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and Trypanophobia (fear of injections) as well as many less well-known ones, including the recent addition – Nomophobia (fear of being without your mobile phone).
Living with these fears is very restricting and can play havoc with our overall confidence levels.
Fear of Flying?
This time of year, I see many clients with Aerophobia (fear of flying). But there can also be immense anxiety over travel in general. The fear of getting ill abroad and just being away from home can feel deeply uncomfortable. The stress of airports, packing and being somewhere new can feel overwhelming. The good news is that ALL of these issues can be successfully treated with hypnotherapy.
Finding out why the phobia has developed is key. There is always a reason. The unconscious mind is only trying to keep us safe but sometimes gets it wrong. By re-framing past experiences, our minds can unlearn lessons and develop new ways of thinking. When in a relaxed or trance-like state, the mind is also more open to suggestion. I support my clients to overcome their fears, often leading to a renewed sense of freedom and overall confidence.
I also write and record ‘word weaves’ which focus the mind on more positive messages – working to ‘change your mind’. These are devised with each individual in mind and are theirs to keep for life-long support. I also teach self-hypnosis techniques which empower my clients to induce a deeply relaxed state whenever they feel anxious.
A few tips for those with a fear of flying:
- First, let yourself off! You are in a metal container flying through the sky. Some degree of anxiety is ‘normal’.
- Know the facts – air travel is one of the safest ways to travel.
- Create distraction – music, podcasts, and puzzles will all help.
- Relaxation techniques – breathwork calms the nervous system and a big, audible sigh out will alleviate anxiety immediately.
- Choose the right seat: Sitting near the front and by a window reduces the effect of turbulence and provides a visual anchor.
- Tell the flight attendants: They are used to offering support.
- Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine: drinking plenty of water can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
“I started hypnotherapy with the aim of improving my fear of being away from home which had stopped me from flying for over 7 years. After just 6 sessions I was able to go on a work ski trip which was a huge achievement. I thought that this would be the only benefit of hypnotherapy, but I didn’t realise the positive impact it would have on my day-to-day life generally around other anxieties. It has been a life changer for me.” Rebecca Knowles, London.
Hypnotherapy can be an effective solution for anyone with a fear of flying or anxiety about travelling. Happy Holidays!
Alison Scott is a Hypnotherapist based in Naphill. For more info about Alison, click here
Camilla Ross is a Hypnotherapist based in Beaconsfield . For more info about Camilla, click here
