11-15-2013, 07:21 PM
I have really bad anxiety with flying and also get very overwhelmed by not only all the noise, but energy of others and smells. Several things have helped me; I use the foam type ear plugs and fold them in half before inserting into my ear - they prevent way more noise then. I also bring along a mala (similar to a rosary) and practice japa mala. Some people do this for religion, I simply choose any positive mantra that strikes my fancy at the time, close my eyes, and recite it over and over in my head while fiddling with the beads. It has helped me tremendously. A bracelet mala is small enough that most people wouldn't even see it in your hand and won't know what you are doing. Having something to do & focus on helps with me with the anxiety. That said, despite everything I do I still have a meltdown after every flight. 