She discussed the approach on a recent episode of the “Delusional Diaries” podcast with hosts Halley Kate and Jaz.<\/p>\n
Flight anxiety isn’t always about the plane itself, the Vermont-based Robbins said during the conversation. Instead, it’s about the thoughts people spiral into while flying<\/a> \u2014 particularly fears about crashing, turbulence in the air or the loss of control.<\/p>\n MAJOR AIRLINE EXPANDS PASSENGER TEST THAT HOLDS FLIGHTS TO HELP PREVENT MISSED CONNECTIONS<\/a><\/p>\n “The reason why you have anxiety is you are thinking about the plane crashing and dying and your life being over,” Robbins said.<\/p>\n To help manage that anxiety<\/a>, Robbins detailed a strategy she calls an “anchor thought,” which involves visualizing a specific, positive moment that will happen after the flight.<\/p>\n Mel Robbins said flight anxiety comes from spiraling thoughts about uncertainty and loss of control \u2014 and that a simple mental technique may help manage it. (Stefanie Keenan\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n The technique works by giving the mind something concrete to focus on when fear starts to take over, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n In the episode, Robbins asked Kate \u2014 who was preparing to travel to Venice<\/a> \u2014 to picture something she was excited to do once she arrived.<\/p>\n IS YOUR DIET MISSING A BRAIN-BOOSTING COMMON NUTRIENT? NEW ANXIETY STUDY RAISES CONCERN<\/a><\/p>\n Robbins then encouraged Kate to make the image as detailed as possible, focusing on sights, sounds and physical sensations.<\/p>\n She said engaging the five senses helps lock the image into the brain \u2014 making it easier to return to when anxiety spikes during a flight.<\/p>\n An “anchor thought,” which involves visualizing a positive moment that will happen after the flight, may help people manage flight anxiety, Robbins said. (Marla Aufmuth\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n “Your mind doesn\u2019t know the difference between what\u2019s real and that anchor thought,” Robbins said.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/p>\n Robbins said having that mental image ready gives the brain something else to focus on when fear starts to rise, rather than spiraling into worst-case scenarios.<\/p>\n That mental image helps redirect the brain\u2019s attention as anxiety builds, preventing it from drifting into worst-case thinking. (iStock)<\/p>\n Robbins added that the technique doesn\u2019t eliminate anxiety altogether but can help reduce how intense it feels over time.<\/p>\n Fox News Digital reached out to her for further comment. Robbins has been nominated for a Golden Globe<\/a> for best podcast for “The Mel Robbins Show.”\u00a0<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/a><\/p>\n Jonathan Alpert, a New York\u2013based psychotherapist and author of “Therapy Nation,” told Fox News Digital that fear of flying is usually less about the actual safety of the plane.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n “Most people aren\u2019t reacting to the actual safety of flying.”<\/p>\n It’s more about uncertainty and a perceived loss of control, he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Most people aren\u2019t reacting to the actual safety of flying,” Alpert said. “They\u2019re reacting to the \u2018what ifs,\u2019 and this is what drives their anxiety.”<\/p>\n He added that the culture of flying itself has made anxiety worse for many travelers.<\/p>\n The culture of modern air travel may have made anxiety worse for many travelers. (iStock)<\/p>\n “Crowded gates, delays, viral clips of passengers melting down, arguments over seats or bins.\u00a0By the time someone gets to their row, their nervous system is already dialed up,” Alpert said.<\/p>\n![\"Mel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mel-robbins.jpg\")
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