This article was co-authored by Tracy Carver, PhD. Dr. Tracy Carver is an award-winning Licensed Psychologist based in Austin, Texas. Dr. Carver specializes in counseling for issues related to self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and psychedelic integration. She holds a BS in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MA in Educational Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Carver also completed an internship in Clinical Psychology through Harvard University Medical School. She was voted one of the Best Mental Health Professionals in Austin for four years in a row by Austin Fit Magazine. Dr. Carver has been featured in Austin Monthly, Austin Woman Magazine, Life in Travis Heights, and KVUE (the Austin affiliate for ABC News).
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Flying on an airplane can be a really fun and exciting experience! Whether you’re traveling for fun or for work, you get to see and explore a new place. Sometimes, the hardest part can be getting through the flight itself. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself occupied and entertained on the plane. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of options you can choose from to help pass the time.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionI'm an anxious flyer, how can I calm myself down?Tracy Carver, PhDDr. Tracy Carver is an award-winning Licensed Psychologist based in Austin, Texas. Dr. Carver specializes in counseling for issues related to self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and psychedelic integration. She holds a BS in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MA in Educational Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Carver also completed an internship in Clinical Psychology through Harvard University Medical School. She was voted one of the Best Mental Health Professionals in Austin for four years in a row by Austin Fit Magazine. Dr. Carver has been featured in Austin Monthly, Austin Woman Magazine, Life in Travis Heights, and KVUE (the Austin affiliate for ABC News).
Licensed PsychologistTo prepare for a calm flight, practice breathing techniques before boarding to help manage anxiety. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on deep breathing. Acknowledge anxious thoughts without judgment, redirect your focus to your breath, or do a calming visualization. Repeat affirmations and continue practicing until you feel relaxed and ready for the journey ahead. - QuestionWhat if I feel sick on the plane?Community AnswerChewing gum helps, especially with popping ears which sometimes are the source of discomfort. Drink small sips of water and take deep breaths. If worst comes to worst, there are almost always bags available if you need to throw up. Just be sure to alert the attendance that the bag needs to be disposed of after use.
- QuestionI regularly take a 15-20 hour flight, and I am unable to sleep with the armrests locked in place. How can I entertain myself and keep from being bored on such a long flight?Community AnswerRead books or magazines or do crossword puzzles to help make your eyes tired, and try not to use any electronic devices prior to trying to fall asleep. If the in-flight movies aren't your thing and you don't have anything to do for work, you could write old-fashioned letters to people or journal entries to pass the time.
Video
Tips
- If your flight doesn’t offer wifi, preload some content onto your devices so you can access them without the internet. You can download movies, podcasts, and music to your smartphone or tablet to keep yourself entertained.[13]Thanks
- Hours and hours of sitting can cause achy, sore muscles and can even lead to more serious issues such as deep vein thrombosis. Every hour or so, take some time to get up and move around the cabin of the airplane. Go use the restroom or just walk around to loosen up. It can help prevent stiffness and give you a mental break.[14]Thanks
- Most flights offer drinks, and some may even be free! Take a look at the menu and choose your favorite beverage to help you unwind and maybe even make the flight more interesting.[15]Thanks
Warnings
- Don’t get up and walk around the cabin until the pilot says it’s safe to do so.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about human psychology, check out our in-depth interview with Tracy Carver, PhD.
References
- ↑ http://seattlestravels.com/10-things-you-can-do-to-keep-yourself-busy-on-an-airplane/
- ↑ https://www.dailycal.org/2018/01/17/now-bored-ing-tips-survive-long-plane-flight/
- ↑ https://www.canadianaffair.com/blog/15-ways-entertain-long-haul-flight/
- ↑ http://seattlestravels.com/10-things-you-can-do-to-keep-yourself-busy-on-an-airplane/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/07/opinion/07thu4.html
- ↑ https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/fun-things-to-do-on-a-plane-long-flight/
- ↑ https://www.canadianaffair.com/blog/15-ways-entertain-long-haul-flight/
- ↑ https://www.canadianaffair.com/blog/15-ways-entertain-long-haul-flight/
- ↑ http://seattlestravels.com/10-things-you-can-do-to-keep-yourself-busy-on-an-airplane/
- ↑ https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/33-ways-to-survive-a-long-flight
- ↑ https://www.dailycal.org/2018/01/17/now-bored-ing-tips-survive-long-plane-flight/
- ↑ https://www.dailycal.org/2018/01/17/now-bored-ing-tips-survive-long-plane-flight/
- ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/things-to-do-survive-long-flight-without-wifi
- ↑ https://www.canadianaffair.com/blog/15-ways-entertain-long-haul-flight/
- ↑ https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/33-ways-to-survive-a-long-flight
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