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Jennifer Aniston, known for her role as Rachel Green on Friends, battles aerophobia. She manages her fear of flying through hypnosis, breathwork, and meditation.
Jennifer Aniston says that while travelling on a flight, she prefers the aisle seat over the window seat. (Image: jenniferaniston/Instagram)
Jennifer Aniston has captivated audiences for years with her iconic role as Rachel Green on the beloved sitcom Friends. But beyond her witty charm and timeless style, there’s much more to the real-life Aniston. Known for her dedication to fitness and fashion, the actress has also battled a lesser-known challenge — aerophobia, or the fear of flying. Thankfully, she’s been able to manage it to some extent through hypnosis. Curious about The Morning Show star’s fear and how she copes with it? Keep reading to find out more.
What Is Aerophobia?
As per a report by Trauma Research UK, Aerophobia is an irrational fear that can make someone feel anxious or panic while flying or even boarding an aeroplane, visiting an airport or imagining about flying.
The specific type of phobia can give you intense anxiety or panic attacks in severe cases if left untreated. Its effects can be mitigated somewhat by avoidance behaviour when faced with situations involving air travel. In some cases, it may also require proper treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Of Aerophobia?
According to the same report, the symptoms of aerophobia include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Rapid increase of heart rate
- Anxiety and intense fear
What Are The Causes Of Aerophobia?
Aerophobia can have various roots, according to another report by Anxiety UK. It includes:
- Previous bad experiences of facing turbulence or a traumatic event while travelling on a plane can trigger fear in human beings.
- Observing a parent or loved one experiencing the same fear while flying or discussing the same can lead to aerophobia.
- Anxiety disorders like claustrophobia can lead to aerophobia.
- Various post-traumatic stress disorders can lead to aerophobia.
How Is Jennifer Aniston Mitigating Her Aerophobia?
In an interview with Travel+Leisure magazine, the actress said, “I have an extreme fear of flying. But I have been doing some hypnosis lately, and one of the requirements is to remove all of those superstitions,” adding about her gentle habit of tapping the aircraft’s exterior with her right palm and stepping abroad with her right foot. Contrary to her old practice, she mentioned, “I have not been doing the right hand, right foot—and now it’s shockingly good.”
Besides removing all the superstitions, Aniston is also focusing on breathwork, getting up from her position after a point, walking a bit during her flight travels and doing a stretch or two to keep her mind distracted through the long hours. “Plugging into a good meditation can get you through,” the actress stated.
Treatments Of Aerophobia
- Relaxation techniques: Just like Aniston, you can follow mindfulness and deep breathing to reduce the effects of anxiety.
- Exposure therapy: Since time immemorial, any fear has been treated by exposure to the same. Hence, the report by Trauma Research UK highlights the importance of gradually exposing individuals to flying situations under controlled conditions, as it can help mitigate the symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): According to the same report, CBT treatment can help identify the symptoms of Aerophobia. It can further bring a change in the negative thoughts and behaviours related to the fear of flying.
- Medication: At times, doctors prescribe certain anti-anxiety medications, but these should be consumed after proper prescription and for short-term use.
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