On a recent flight to Chicago, Allison Levy said she was white-knuckling the armrest as the plane rumbled and shook for brief periods of time.
Ms. Levy, 47, who lives in Arlington, Va., started to take deep breaths and tried to reassure herself: Its like a bumpy road its not a big deal.
But, she added, if I knew the person next to me, Id definitely grip their thigh.
Airplane turbulence, which is usually caused by large changes in airflow in the Earths upper atmosphere, is generally a minor nuisance.
But this year alone, there have been multiple instances of severe turbulence on flights that have led to dozens of passenger injuries. And scientists have warned that we may have bumpier flights in the years ahead because of elevated carbon dioxide emissions that are warming the atmosphere, which can alter the speed and direction of the wind.
This is unwelcome news for everyone, especially those of us who are already scared of flying, like Ms. Levy.
Here are several ways to help calm your nerves if youre eager to travel but dreading potential turbulence.
Turbulence is not usually a cause for concern. Its far more common to encounter low to moderate turbulence than the severe kind that throws heavy drink carts into the air.
While pilots can ease most turbulence, it is still unavoidable or unexpected for some flights, but planes are designed to safely withstand the impacts, the Air Line Pilots Association, a prominent pilots union, said in a statement.
It may also help to know that, according to a 2020 study, it has never been safer to travel on a commercial airline.
Passenger injuries from turbulence are rare. In the 13 years spanning 2009 to 2022, for example, a total of 34 passengers were seriously injured because of turbulence, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration. And the last turbulence-related death on a major airline happened more than 25 years ago, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a 2021 report.
Traveling by plane is much safer than traveling by car: The odds of dying during a commercial flight in the United States are too small to calculate, according to the National Safety Council. Meanwhile, the chances of dying in a motor vehicle crash are 1 in 93, the nonprofit advocacy group says.
It might be tempting to reach for an alcoholic beverage in the hopes of calming your nerves, but remember that what you eat and drink impacts your anxiety and how you are feeling, said Dr. Uma Naidoo, the director of nutritional and metabolic psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and the author of This Is Your Brain on Food.
Too much alcohol is dehydrating and can also produce feelings of nausea. Thats a bad combination with turbulence, which can leave passengers queasy, too.
Staying hydrated, perhaps skipping the coffee or wine on the plane, can help create a sense of calm, Dr. Naidoo said.
If turbulence (or the mere thought of it) makes your heart race, taking steps to control your breathing can be a simple and powerful way to help soothe your body, Dr. Naidoo said. One example is 4-4-8 breathing: Take a breath in for four counts, hold your breath for four counts and then exhale for eight counts. Repeat.
As an alternative, you can also try belly breathing or controlled breathing.
With practice, they can become a normal part of your response to stress and anxiety, Dr. Naidoo said.
Some travelers might find it helpful to try exposure therapy, which involves gradually facing specific fears and anxieties until they feel less frightening.
Brenda K. Wiederhold, a psychologist in San Diego, regularly sees patients who have an intense fear of flying. For more than two decades, she has used both real-life scenarios and virtual reality to help expose patients to various scenarios like airplane turbulence.
Turbulence is akin to rolling waves, she tells her clients. You dont think, Oh my goodness, this boat is going to crash! she said. Instead, you think: There are waves today.
Other patients, including some with anxiety disorders, may benefit from medication like Xanax, but such a drug should be taken only under supervision of a doctor.
Strong turbulence can sometimes appear without warning, a phenomenon known as clear air turbulence. The Federal Aviation Administration advises passengers to wear their seatbelt at all times, not just when the seatbelt light is on, and to secure children under the age of 2 in an F.A.A.-approved car seat or restraint device to reduce the possibility of injuries during unexpected turbulence.
The biggest danger is not being secured, said Kristie Koerbel, who has worked as a flight attendant for 21 years. If you are seated with your seatbelt fastened, there is no reason to fear turbulence.
Where you sit can make a difference. Passengers in window seats are less likely to be struck by any projectile objects, suitcases falling out of overhead bins or ceiling tiles coming down, said Sara Nelson, the president of the largest flight attendant union. In addition, seats near the front and next to the wing will typically be less bumpy compared to the back of the aircraft. In severe turbulence, though, where youre sitting wont make a difference, Ms. Nelson said.
Think about what calms you in general and try to do some of those activities on the flight. For her trip to Chicago, Ms. Levy brought a sketchbook for doodling, her favorite music and some crossword puzzles. She also spoke to her doctor about taking a low dose of Xanax (though she isnt convinced that it helped).
Finally, keep an eye on the weather. Thunderstorms typically develop in the warmer months of spring, summer and fall, according to the National Weather Service, and can create turbulence. If you have the flexibility to postpone your flight, you might try for a day with clearer skies in the hopes of a smoother ride.
And remember, the plane is not going to take off if its not safe, Ms. Nelson said.
Visit link:
6 Ways to Ease Flight and Turbulence Anxiety - The New York Times
- Working at DeepMind | Glassdoor [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2019]
- DeepMind Q&A Dataset - New York University [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2019]
- Google absorbs DeepMind healthcare unit 10 months after ... [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2019]
- deep mind Mathematics, Machine Learning & Computer Science [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2019]
- Health strategies of Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft - Business Insider [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- To Understand The Future of AI, Study Its Past - Forbes [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- Tremor patients can be relieved of the shakes for THREE YEARS after having ultrasound waves - Herald Publicist [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- The San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus Toured the Deep South - SF Weekly [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- The Universe Speaks in Numbers: The deep relationship between math and physics - The Huntington News [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- MINI John Cooper Works GP is a two-seater hot hatch that shouts its 306 HP - SlashGear [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- How To Face An Anxiety Provoking Situation Like A Champion - Forbes [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- The Most Iconic Tech Innovations of the 2010s - PCMag [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2019]
- Why tech companies need to hire philosophers - Quartz [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2019]
- Living on Purpose: Being thankful is a state of mind - Chattanooga Times Free Press [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2019]
- EDITORIAL: West explosion victims out of sight and clearly out of mind - Waco Tribune-Herald [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2019]
- Do you need to sit still to be mindful? - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Listen To Two Neck Deep B-Sides, Beautiful Madness And Worth It - Kerrang! [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Worlds Last Male Northern White Rhino Brought Back To Life Using AI - International Business Times [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Eat, drink, and be merryonly if you keep in mind these food safety tips - Williamsburg Yorktown Daily [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- The alarming trip that changed Jeremy Clarksons mind on climate change - The Week UK [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Actionable Insights on Artificial Intelligence in Law Market with Future Growth Prospects by 2026 | AIBrain, Amazon, Anki, CloudMinds, Deepmind,... [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Searching for the Ghost Orchids of the Everglades - Discover Magazine [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Parkinsons tremors could be treated with SOUNDWAVES, claim scientists - Herald Publicist [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- Golden State Warriors still have prolonged success in mind - Blue Man Hoop [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- 3 Gratitude Habits You Can Adopt Over The Thanksgiving Holiday For Deeper Connection And Joy - Forbes [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2019]
- The minds that built AI and the writer who adored them. - Mash Viral [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- Parkinson's Patients are Mysteriously Losing the Ability to Swim After Treatment - Discover Magazine [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- Hannah Fry, the woman making maths cool | Times2 - The Times [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- Meditate with Urmila: Find balance of body, mind and breath - Gulf News [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- We have some important food safety tips to keep in mind while cooking this Thanksgiving - WQOW TV News 18 [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2019]
- Being thankful is a state of mind | Opinion - Athens Daily Review [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2019]
- Can Synthetic Biology Inspire The Next Wave of AI? - SynBioBeta [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2019]
- LIVING ON PURPOSE: Being thankful is a state of mind - Times Tribune of Corbin [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2019]
- AI Hardware Summit Europe launches in Munich, Germany on 10-11 March 2020, the ecosystem event for AI hardware acceleration in Europe - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: December 5th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 5th, 2019]
- Of course Facebook and Google want to solve social problems. Theyre hungry for our data - The Guardian [Last Updated On: December 5th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 5th, 2019]
- Larry, Sergey, and the Mixed Legacy of Google-Turned-Alphabet - WIRED [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2019]
- AI Index 2019 assesses global AI research, investment, and impact - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2019]
- For the Holidays, the Gift of Self-Care - The New York Times [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2019]
- Stopping a Mars mission from messing with the mind - Axios [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2019]
- Feldman: Impeachment articles are 'high crimes' Founders had in mind | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2019]
- Opinion | Frankenstein monsters will not be taking our jobs anytime soon - Livemint [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2019]
- DeepMind co-founder moves to Google as the AI lab positions itself for the future - The Verge [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2019]
- Google Isn't Looking To Revolutionize Health Care, It Just Wants To Improve On The Status Quo - Newsweek [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2019]
- Artificial Intelligence Job Demand Could Live Up to Hype - Dice Insights [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2019]
- What Are Normalising Flows And Why Should We Care - Analytics India Magazine [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Terence Crawford has next foe in mind after impressive knockout win - New York Post [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- DeepMind proposes novel way to train safe reinforcement learning AI - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Winning the War Against Thinking - So you've emptied your brain. Now what? - Chabad.org [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- 'Echo Chamber' as Author of the 'Hive Mind' - Ricochet.com [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- Lindsey Graham: 'I Have Made Up My Mind' to Exonerate Trump and 'Don't Need Any Witnesses' WATCH - Towleroad [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- Blockchain in Healthcare Market to 2027 By Top Leading Players: iSolve LLC, Healthcoin, Deepmind Health, IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation,... [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- In sight but out of mind - The Hindu [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- The Case for Limitlessness Has Its Limits: Review of Limitless Mind by Joe Boaler - Education Next - EducationNext [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- The Top 10 Diners In Deep East Texas, According To Yelp - ksfa860.com [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- 3 breathing exercises to reduce stress, anxiety and a racing mind - Irish Examiner [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- DeepMind exec Andrew Eland leaves to launch startup - Sifted [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2019]
- The Top 10 Diners In Deep East Texas, According To Yelp - kicks105.com [Last Updated On: December 17th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 17th, 2019]
- Mind the Performance Gap New Future Purchasing Category Management Report Out Now - Spend Matters [Last Updated On: December 17th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 17th, 2019]
- Madison singles and deep cuts that stood out in 2019 - tonemadison.com [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2019]
- Hilde Lee: Latkes bring an ancient miracle to mind on first night of Hanukkah - The Daily Progress [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2019]
- Political Cornflakes: Trump responds to impeachment with complaints about the 'deep state' and toilet flushing - Salt Lake Tribune [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2019]
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai Is the Most Expensive Tech CEO to Keep Around - Observer [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2019]
- Christmas Lectures presenter Dr Hannah Fry on pigeons, AI and the awesome power of maths - inews [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2019]
- The ultimate guitar tuning guide: expand your mind with these advanced tuning techniques - Guitar World [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2019]
- Inside The Political Mind Of Jerry Brown - Radio Ink [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2019]
- Elon Musk Fact-Checked His Own Wikipedia Page and Requested Edits Including the Fact He Does 'Zero Investing' - Entrepreneur [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2019]
- The 9 Best Blobs of 2019 - Livescience.com [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2019]
- AI from Google is helping identify animals deep in the rainforest - Euronews [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2019]
- Want to dive into the lucrative world of deep learning? Take this $29 class. - Mashable [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2019]
- Re: Your Account Is Overdrawn - Thrive Global [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2019]
- Review: In the Vale is full of characters who linger long in the mind - Nation.Cymru [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2019]
- 10 Gifts That Cater to Your Loved One's Basic Senses - Wide Open Country [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2019]
- The Most Mind-Boggling Scientific Discoveries Of 2019 Include The First Image Of A Black Hole, A Giant Squid Sighting, And An Exoplanet With Water... [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2019]
- DeepMind's new AI can spot breast cancer just as well as your doctor - Wired.co.uk [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2020]
- Why the algorithms assisting medics is good for health services (Includes interview) - Digital Journal [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2020]
- 2020: The Rise of AI in the Enterprise - IT World Canada [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2020]
- An instant 2nd opinion: Google's DeepMind AI bests doctors at breast cancer screening - FierceBiotech [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2020]
- Google's DeepMind AI outperforms doctors in identifying breast cancer from X-ray images - Business Insider UK [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2020]
- New AI toolkit from the World Economic Forum is promising because it's free - The National [Last Updated On: January 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 20th, 2020]
- AKA Wants to Help People Break Bad Habits and Create New Positive Ones - Hospitality Net [Last Updated On: January 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 20th, 2020]