There has been some scary news lately about airplanes! More and more people are finding themselves concerned and scared to fly. I get it! Fear of flying is a big fear!

I also know that there is a lot you can do to overcome your fear of flying. Starting with remembering that it has been just a handful of incidents, and every day thousands of flights take off and land smoothly. We just don’t hear about these flights.

This week I had the opportunity to be on PIX 11 morning news to share strategies to help people face their fear of flying. I had the best experience! It was smooth and easy and received so many wonderful messages after from friends and clients and family who watched the segment.

You know, I love a good celebration, so I had to mention how celebrated I felt. Today I want to focus on sharing some strategies with you. At least half the messages I received also said they made people feel better about upcoming flights!

So, first, here is the clip.

Now for the tips and tools…they are all going to be in the golden nuggets because you can use these tools to overcome any fear!

The golden nuggets for you this week:

1. Focus on why you are flying! Your mind is focusing on the fear. Give your mind something else to think about, like why you are getting on the plane. I’m sure there is something wonderful on the other side of your flight…so put your attention there!

2.Tell yourself the story of what is going to happen when you fly. Your brain is repeating the worst case scenario on loop. That story is highly unlikely. So tell yourself the story that is likely to happen. Getting to the airport, doing some good people watching, getting on the plane, watching a movie, and then landing safely. For bonus points, tell the ideal story over and over again…dream of being upgraded and arriving early 🙂

3. Separate facts from feelings. You feel scared and that is true and real. It is ok for you to feel scared. Yet, it is not based on facts. The facts are that air travel is a rather safe mode of transportation. The facts are it has only been a few incidents that we are hearing about. The facts are you have heard about each incident so many times from so many different outlets that it feels like there are more accidents then are happening.

4. Watch the clip – I have additional strategies that I shared with Hazel Sanchez and Dan Mannarino!

It is ok to be scared, the news has been scary. Remember you can do scary and hard things!

If you have to fly, I hope my tips help you. If you want to fly, I hope my tips help you. If you are waiting for now, I hope my tips help you when the time is right.

Check out other posts by Dr. Marcie here.