I’m a methodical person, and getting around the airport is no exception. In order to have two full hours to print my boarding card, remove my shoes to get through TSA security, and then walk right to Starbucks to buy my pricey iced shaken espresso and asiago bagel, I call my Lyft at least two and a half hours before my flight departs.
I don’t only do this because it makes me feel better to get at my gate early and have a tasty food before boarding. I follow my regimen because it makes me feel comfortable, and I need it just before I board a plane.
For years, I’ve struggled with flying anxiety. Yes, I am aware of the “jello theory,” a technique meant to reduce aviation anxiety by helping people picture how turbulence occurs during flight. Indeed, I am aware that there are almost no aviation crashes—0.0001%, to be precise. My hands still tremble and my pulse rate increases to an unsettling level regardless of how much mental preparation I make before the aircraft boards.
I decided I needed to find a practical solution to reduce anxiety and heart palpitations when I began traveling more regularly a few years ago. Wireless headphones, which I practically carry about at all times, are among the items that have been most helpful. Any AirPods or wireless earphones with noise-canceling capabilities will function when I’m using my favorite Beats Studio Pro. This is due to the fact that noise-canceling might lessen flight anxiety by lowering sensory overload and facilitating nervous system relaxation and regulation.
I describe how I manage my travel anxiety using my preferred wireless headphones below, along with the evidence that supports this technique. Learn how to avoid and end an anxiety attack for further health advice. You can learn all there is to know about anxiety by exploring this guide.
Reduce tiredness and flying anxiety
The loudness is, in my opinion, the worst aspect about flying. My uneasiness is increased by the unnerving clatter of the aircraft during turbulence and the continuous hum of the jet engines. In addition, there may be a screaming infant, the rattling of overhead bins, or conversation from other travelers.
Earbuds with noise cancellation serve as a shield against all of it. My headphones’ noise-canceling technology makes things quieter and more tranquil by enclosing me in a calming, impenetrable cocoon that shuts out the cacophony of sounds.
Low-frequency rumbling and background sounds during flights may often cause sensory overload, which can result in sensory exhaustion. Even while it’s crucial to take breaks on lengthy trips, particularly those that are overnight or international, it may be challenging to relax, slow down, and drop your heart rate enough to fall asleep when your brain is continuously processing sounds.
Get more sleep and rest.
It might be difficult to obtain a good night’s sleep on any flight. However, during a bumpy trip if you are awakened by abrupt jolts, it may be absolutely impossible.
Although turning on noise cancellation won’t stop the shaking or rattling, it may help you fall asleep by lowering outside distractions that are made worse by turbulence. This function is especially useful for light sleepers like myself since it keeps our brains from detecting even the smallest sound, which keeps us awake and impairs our ability to sleep.
Pay attention to soothing diversions.
I use in-flight entertainment, mindfulness applications, and soothing music as diversions while I’m traveling to reduce my flight anxiety. By reducing background noise, noise cancellation improves these activities and helps me focus on what I’m streaming and forget that I’m stuck on an airplane. I prefer to make and download a playlist of music, podcasts, and audiobooks before the journey. In this manner, I may always engage in calming activities that will make me feel less anxious while flying.