5 ways to stay calm at the airport amid flight delays and cancellations

There is currently a dense fog in Delhi, which has caused several flight cancellations and delays at the airport. Additionally, a video of a passenger physically attacking a flight captain during a delay announcement has gone viral on the internet. If you plan on travelling during this time, it’s important to maintain decorum at airports. We understand that flight delays or cancellations can be stressful, especially if you have important meetings or events to attend. However, staying relaxed during such situations is crucial to ensure that your problem-solving capabilities and decision-making are not affected. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep yourself calm and composed at the airport.

How to stay calm during flight delays and cancellations?

Managing frustration and anger during travel is necessary and important! If you don’t know where to start, here are some tips to help you stay calm and keep the stress at bay. Here’s how you can manage travel anxiety as explained by Psychologist, Kamna Chhibber.

 

1. Meditate

One way to maintain composure is to engage in mindfulness or meditation. According to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, this can take the form of breathing, mentally concentrating on a sound or visual image, or repeating a word or phrase. A study from Harvard University discovered that persons who meditated saw changes in the genes that control inflammation, circadian rhythm, and glucose metabolism, all of which helped lower blood pressure, even though results have been inconsistent.

2. Be prepared

Anticipate the issue and make appropriate preparations. So, keep a chocolate bar or some munchies like almonds, inhalers (if necessary), an eye mask for when you need a nap, etc. with you. Additionally, make sure you drink adequate water.

3. Carry a book and read it

Reading can reduce stress and anxiety. Reading has the potential to decrease stress levels and is a more effective way to reduce stress and keep yourself relaxed in situations like these. But don’t read any tragic and sad stories as it can worsen the situation.

4. Watch something entertaining

Download your favourite movie or series in advance and enjoy watching them. This will lighten your mood and will kill your time and moreover, it will help you manage your stress and anxiety.

5. Distract yourself

Do some deep breathing exercises on the spot, or start listening to some relaxing music while doing deep breathing exercises, go for a walk in the airport, or engage yourself in something that can help you calm down.

Other essential things to consider to keep calm

1. Look at the larger picture. Understand that everyone around you is stuck in the same situation as you.
2. Remember to focus on what you can control. You can spend the time that you have in doing some activity or reading. Going prepared for the delays would be helpful so you can channel yourself toward constructively utilising your time.
3. Give yourself a reality check by recognising that the problem being faced will be resolved. While the situation may not be in your control right now, it will be solved and your travel situation will be taken care of.
4. If you find yourself getting too stressed, talk to a person who can help you keep yourself calm. Speaking to those who are agitated themselves would further aggravate you.
5. Avoid overthinking the situation and avoid indulging in fatalistic scenarios that make you think how difficult things will be as you wait during the delay. Instead, engage in productive activities to stay relaxed.

Also Read: These 8 tips that will help you stay calm in stressful situations

Practising the above and making them a part of your approach in life, particularly during travel, can help ensure that you have a more pleasant experience. It is important to note the unnecessary level of stress or reactivity on your part can be managed and kept in control, says the expert.