Flying this Thanksgiving? Here’s How to Ditch Your Fear Naturally

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many, that means hopping on a plane to see family and friends. But if flying gives you that heart-pounding, sweaty-palm anxiety, you’re not alone.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, which means you might be feeling extra stressed about getting on a flight. So, what if you could calm those nerves naturally? Good news—you totally can!

Let’s dive into some cool, natural ways to ease your fear of flying this Thanksgiving season.

Breathe, Move, and Chill

One of the easiest ways to deal with fear is by paying attention to how your body reacts. When we get anxious, our breathing becomes shallow, and our muscles tense up. Learning to control your breath and movement can have a huge impact on how you feel before, during, and after the flight.

Deep breathing exercises can make a difference. Try inhaling slowly through your nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly. This calms your nervous system, grounding your body in the present moment.

Also, get moving! Before your flight, do some light stretching or yoga. Moving your body releases tension and gets the blood flowing, helping you feel less jittery.

Now, if you’re open to some less conventional but totally effective options, alternative therapies for anxiety like acupuncture or aromatherapy can give you a serious sense of calm. A quick session before takeoff might be just the thing to get your body and mind in sync.

Essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus have been known to reduce anxiety, and using a few drops on your wrists before or during the flight can help you stay relaxed.

Plug Into the Right Tunes

If music is your go-to for chilling out, then it’s time to build the ultimate flight playlist. Sound has a powerful effect on the brain, and music can help create the right vibe to keep you calm.

So, whether it’s some lo-fi beats, nature sounds, or your favorite artist’s most mellow tracks, music can take you to another place mentally while you’re cruising at 30,000 feet.

Not only does music help take your mind off the flight, but it also tunes out the background noise that might trigger anxiety. There’s nothing like the hum of airplane engines to remind you that you’re not on the ground, right?

Pop in those noise-canceling headphones and let the music distract you in the best way possible.

And if you’re not into music, try podcasts. Some people find comfort in hearing people talk or discussing interesting topics. Whether it’s comedy, true crime, or an uplifting self-help episode, podcasts can help keep your mind occupied and away from thoughts of flying.

Natural Supplements and Herbal Helpers

Let’s talk supplements. Sometimes, a little natural help goes a long way. There are several herbs and supplements that have been proven to calm anxiety and help with relaxation. One of the most popular options out there is CBD, which is known for its chill-inducing properties.

Now, not all CBD is created equal, so quality matters. Mood CBD from Zebra CBD is a great example of this. It’s specifically formulated to support relaxation and ease stress, making it a great go-to for flight anxiety.

The key is to find something that works for you. Some people also swear by other natural options like valerian root or magnesium, both of which are known to promote relaxation. Take these supplements before you head to the airport or right before you board, and you’ll be set for a smoother experience.

And if you’re wondering, “Does CBD really help with flying anxiety?” Well, the answer is: it can! Many people have found CBD to be a game-changer in terms of feeling more grounded and calm.

Plus, it’s natural, so you’re not pumping your body with harsh chemicals. Just make sure you try it out before your flight to see how your body reacts.

Visualize the Perfect Landing

If you’ve never tried visualization techniques, you’re missing out. It’s a mental trick that helps rewire your brain into thinking everything is smooth sailing—or, in this case, flying.

The idea is to create a mental image of the most peaceful flight possible. Picture yourself boarding the plane confidently, settling into your seat, and feeling totally at ease during takeoff, mid-flight, and landing.

Visualization works because your brain doesn’t always know the difference between imagination and reality. So, by picturing a calm flight, you’re actually training your brain to experience less stress in real life.

Start practicing this a few days before your flight so that by the time you’re in the air, it feels natural to you. You can even visualize the fun you’re going to have when you land!

Another pro tip is to use a guided meditation app during the flight. A lot of apps these days have specific meditations tailored to flying anxiety. Just plug in, close your eyes, and let the soothing voice guide you through the experience.

Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart

Your body needs to be in top shape to handle the stress of flying, and one way to ensure that is by staying hydrated and eating the right foods.

Dehydration can actually increase anxiety, so drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can make you feel more jittery.

When it comes to snacks, opt for foods that keep your blood sugar stable. Nuts, seeds, and fruit are great options because they give you energy without the crash.

And hey, chewing gum is another hack to calm those nerves—something about the motion of chewing can make your body feel more relaxed.

Flying on an empty stomach is a bad idea, especially if you’re already feeling anxious. A hungry body is a stressed-out body, so make sure you’re fueled up before your flight. Bring along your favorite healthy snacks, and you’ll be less likely to experience the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Keep Calm and Fly On

Flying doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you take the right steps to manage your anxiety naturally. From alternative therapies to visualizations, CBD to music, there are plenty of ways to calm your nerves without reaching for medication.

With a little prep and the right mindset, you’ll be well on your way to making this Thanksgiving travel season less stressful and way more enjoyable. So sit back, relax, and let your holiday journey take flight!