There’s just something about flying that creates nerves in any person. Aerophobia is common in 25 million American adults. It can be because we are land creatures, and suddenly, being in the air, we begin thinking about everything that can go wrong. It’s possible that news, scary movies, and whatever else have implanted this fear in our minds. But even the most experienced traveler will feel knots in their stomach as the plane takes off, especially during turbulence. How can you find anxiety relief during this time?
Fortunately, there are a few things you can take with you in your carry-on bag that may help ease and smooth those jitters while flying in the air. Here are 10 must-have carry-on items for anxious flyers.
10 Noise-Canceling Headphones
Anxiety can be like a voice in your head, so why would anyone need extra noise from their environment to add to their overwhelming thoughts? Noise-canceling headphones can help put your mind in a calmer place, and if you are listening to something soothing, even better. Noise-canceling headphones can aid the mind in feeling more in control with less processing.
Get yourself ones that have long battery life. But, to ease anxiety, make sure to bring a fully-charged portable charger just in case. Because living with anxiety, one will tend to overthink any situation negatively, so save yourself the intrusive thought. Woosah.
9 Busy Books
These books are perfect for the anxious mind. They keep your mind focused on one thing. And because your brain is trying to solve these problems, it’s too busy to focus on any other external issues. Not only that, these books are fun for the logical thinker or the emotional thinker. Make sure to get a book with multiple puzzles, not just a newspaper, from the newsstand at the airport. Because if your flight lasts longer than your quick thinking, you’ll need another distraction which we’ll discuss further.
Here are some excellent busy books you may enjoy delving into:
- Crossword puzzles
- Sudoku
- Activity books (there are some specifically for anxious individuals)
- Mazes
- Find the Difference
- Hidden Pictures books
- Brain Teasers
8 Placebo
The mind truly works in fascinating ways. So much so that a belief can help cure your anxiety. MedicalNewsToday states that placebos work in a third of patients and are up to 60% effective for some. For these to work, you have to just believe. Sounds magical, but sometimes we want to believe in supernatural things and hope things work out for us.
Here are a few things you may resonate with:
- Crystals
- Good-luck charms
- Religious/blessed items
- Affirmations/prayers
- Rituals
- Sugar pills
7 Sleep Aids
Many flyers prefer to sleep their worries away. If you are anxious and cannot fall asleep, these cozy items should at least put your body at ease. Reclining the seat back and placing your feet on your carry-on may help get you in a more relaxed position. Consider bringing along these sleep aids in your carry-on bag:
- Pillow
- Blanket/Weighted blanket
- Sleeping pills
- Lavender-infused eye mask
6 Fidget Toys
Fidgeting is a way of releasing nervous energy and helping us concentrate. Fidget toys serve as a distraction when nervous feelings take over. They provide an avenue for fidgety movements, therefore relieving some pent-up stress. Here are some fidget toys to keep in your carry-on:
- Stress balls
- Fidget spinners
- Pop-Its
- Fidget cube
5 Music
Music can most certainly change your mood. Grab your noise-canceling headphones, wrap yourself in your blanket, put on your lavender-infused eye mask, and listen to your favorite tunes. Think of songs that make you feel happy or relaxed. Those will help keep your vibes up. And when you're in a better mood, it'll be easier to be more carefree.
4 Podcasts
Podcasts are another way to keep your mind occupied. This way, your mind is focused on something interesting, and it will be less likely to wander to worry land. Podcasts will entertain you a little more than music because it demands you to pay attention. Listen to something that engages the mind and allows you to get into a more positive or relaxed mindset.
3 Supplements
Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any suggested supplements.
There are a few ingestible things that may aid anxious flyers to feel less worrisome feelings. These include items that will help with stress relief, immunity, and tummy troubles and promote restful sleep.
Ginger chews
Ginger chews can help calm stomach issues related to anxiety. They are also helpful in relieving motion sickness. Anyone suffering from anxiety may agree that when it gets severe, they'll experience nausea. Ginger helps soothe this discomfort.
Probiotics
Because 80% of our immune system relies on our gut health, this supplement defends our body from infection and illness and promotes healthy digestion.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for mental health, states WebMD. Studies have found it to decrease the severity of anxiety in patients suffering from mental distress. Vitamin D helps with mood regulation and nerve health.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb proven to decrease stress. It is part of a class of herbs called adaptogens, which enable your body to better handle stress. Adaptogens normalize internal imbalances by increasing calmness and giving the body a boost of energy.
CBD gummies
CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are allowed in your carry-on bag in the US. These gummies are known to quiet the part of the mind that perceives threats and stress. Anxious flyers may benefit from taking a CBD gummy about 45 minutes before their flight.
2 Compression Socks/Comfortable Clothes
Compression socks will keep legs and feet from swelling. If you're an anxious flyer, you may feel the need to get up and walk around to release some stress. However, this relief is limited on a plane, and so these socks may help you stay seated comfortably. When you're faced with anxiety, small issues may become bigger than they seem. Wearing comfortable clothes or bringing an extra set of cozy clothes in your carry-on may help you to relax.
Here are some general ideas for comfortable clothes:
- Loose fitting clothes
- Comfortable shoes/slippers
- Breathable fabrics
- Comfy sweater
- Sweatpants
- Soft clothes
1 Pet
Check with your airline before making a final decision based on this article. Most airlines will consider a pet carrier as a personal or carry-on item, says Southwest.
Small dogs, cats, and household birds can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee, collected at check-in. They must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, states Delta.
A pet can be your emotional support system while waiting for your flight or taking off. But a pet can make things a little more stressful, too, so keep that in mind. You might worry about the pet needing to relieve itself or whether it will make noises that might bother others on the plane. There are ways to travel comfortably with your pet. You know your pet best. It might also be wise to have a chat with your pet's veterinarian to get some more insight on bringing your pet aboard your flight.