I love traveling; I really do. However, traveling means (most of the times) having to fly. I hate flying; I hate to be on a plane. I feel I could die at any moment. Of course, I have read many times that planes are the securest transportation in the world.
The statistics are with them. I like to check this website "Live Flight Tracker FlightAware" where you can see all the flights in real time. It is incredible; it shows how my fears are stupid because the world map is full of little planes which will arrive safely. But, we cannot control our deepest feelings and being on a plane is one of my biggest ones.
As I said in the beginning, I choose to travel instead of staying forever in the same place. I have found some ways to make my flights more comfortable.
1. Reading.
Reading is the solution for many things in the world starting with keeping away ignorance. In the beginning, I used to buy the kind of magazines I love, such as, about history or art. The problem was that with these magazines I needed to be concentrated to read. I could not do it; I was not able to read them.
I found I only can read gossip magazines and books I already read. Because they are light reading, I can get entertained and distract myself for a while. We cannot be intense the whole time.
2. Netflix.
Today, having Netflix in our smartphones or tablets is the best. We can download completed seasons of new and old shows to entertain ourselves. I always chose to see new seasons; episodes I have not watched yet. It makes me be the focus of the latest stories and time passes faster.
If you pay for Youtube, you can download videos and music. On Youtube, you have unlimited TV Shows, telenovelas, movies, music, concerts, youtubers and more. If you can download all of these videos, you have endless entertainment. In my case, I download some videos that help me to sleep.
3. Pills.
You can find some prescribed pills for anxiety, but I have tried them and it was unsuccessful. However, last year, I tried some over the counter supplements for anxiety; they did their job. Melatonin is one of them. In normal circumstances, 3mg of Melatonin makes me sleep the whole night. In-plane circumstances, Melatonin makes me stay calm; I cannot sleep inside the plane, but at least I feel better.
The other supplement which calms me a lot is L-Theanine. I found it after researching on Google. It was magic. I am not saying my fears stop, but I can fly in better conditions. When I travel I take at least four or five pills per flight. Do not worry, it is a supplement. Then you can take as many as you want with no problem. I keep the bottle of Melatonin and L-Theanine in my pocket all the time I am inside the plane.
As a piece of advice, start taking these pills hours before you take off. You need to feel calm when you are inside the plane and supplements need some time to take effect.
4. Games.
I am not an expert in games. What I can say is that I am a fanatic of any silly game such as, Tetris, Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Hungry Babies, Frozen Mania, Jewel Mania, Bakery Store, Mahjong, Solitary or any sudoku. I have to admit I am old school; I love all the puzzle magazines where you need a pen and the answers are in the back.
5. Podcasts.
I am a fan of podcasts (if you have an Android, you can find podcasts via Ivoox). You can find any topic, language and style. Now, I am into a podcast dedicated to "Game of Thrones;" I have learned (and understood) a lot about the TV show, books, short stories, characters and plots. I loved "Serial," "S-Town" and "Criminal" and the podcasts about this podcasts. If you want to learn a new language, you must try "Coffee Break French" or Italian, Germany or Spanish.
The options are unlimited.
There are more options, such as games, music and talking to other passengers. I am giving you my favorites. Also, I have to admit I do not eat until I arrive. I am not able to eat even if the flight is over eight hours because I get dizzy quickly.
