ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the method for overcoming fear of flying. It covers information about thoughts and behaviour, and examines breathing. Fear and tension go together, and since tension and relaxation are the opposite of one another, people can start to deal with fear by relaxing. When driven by fear, people often behave in a different way. These fear-inspired habits may be quite unconscious, and frequently they are of no help to the sufferers but, on the contrary, make them feel worse. Tension also affects our respiration; we all know how we hold our breath, or breathe in sharply, in certain situations. It is, therefore, important during the relaxation exercise to breathe in deeply and in particular to breathe out slowly and calmly. Without training, it is particularly difficult not to be tense when people are afraid. It is, therefore, necessary to practise relaxation in advance, as well as in the situations they find difficult or frightening.
