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Fear of Flying: How I Found My Anchor in the Clouds by Founder, Vicki Jackson

Fear of Flying: How I Found My Anchor in the Clouds by Founder, Vicki Jackson

For as long as I can remember, I’ve lived with a paradox: I am terrified of flying, yet I am obsessed with it. While most travellers are focused on their destination, I’m the one researching the exact aircraft model, memorising the seat configuration, and counting the engines before I’ve even left for the airport.

It’s an irrational fear, but it’s one I’ve refused to let win. My career has taken me across the globe, and my love for travel is stronger than my anxiety. Over the years, I’ve developed a "toolbox" of rituals to help me cope - from strategic window seats to the occasional glass of wine. But recently, I found a physical "anchor" that has changed everything: my AYA Rock massager.

The Rituals of a Nervous Flyer

Managing flight anxiety is often about controlling the environment. For me, that means:

  • The Waiting Game: I never get to the gate too early. Minimising that "pre-flight" anticipation helps keep the adrenaline spikes at bay.

  • The Audio Connection: I listen intently to the pilot’s introduction. Hearing a calm, professional human voice reminds me that this is just another day at the office for them.

  • The Power of Touch: For years, my husband and kids were my anchors, literally. I’ve had to refrain from grabbing the hands of strangers, but that need for a physical "comforter" never went away.

Finding Calm with AYA

The biggest shift in my travel experience came when I started bringing my AYA Rock massager on board. It fits perfectly in the palm of my hand, providing a sense of grounding that a seat armrest just can't offer.

When the seatbelt sign dings or the plane hits a patch of "choppy air," my mind used to spiral into pre-empting the next bump. Now, I turn on the AYA Rock.

Here is why it works for me:

  1. Sensory Distraction: The vibrations provide a physical focal point. Instead of obsessing over the wings or the sound of the engines, I focus on the rhythmic pulse in my hand.

  2. Controlled Breathing: When the anxiety feels unpredictable, I use the relaxation patterns on the device to sync with my breathing. It forces my nervous system to slow down, even when we’re at 30,000 feet.

  3. A Portable Comforter: It’s small and discreet. It gives me that "hand-holding" sensation of security without needing to squeeze my neighbour's arm!

My Advice to Fellow Flyers

If you struggle with flight anxiety, know that you don't have to be "cured" to see the world. You just need a strategy. Whether it’s your favorite playlist or a tactile tool like the AYA massager, find what grounds you.

I still check the aircraft model, and I still listen for every noise but now, I have the tools to stay calm through the clouds.

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AYA - The Origin Story by Founder, Bonny Hall

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We live in a world where it can feel like everything has already been invented. At the same time, we’ve forgotten so much of what has already been discovered. We’re always searching for the new — the exciting, the innovative, the what’s next. When Vicki and I began exploring ideas for a new business, one thing was clear from the start: whatever we created had to have purpose. It had to work, and it had to do exactly what it said on the tin. We knew we wanted to create a product brand and design and develop our own beautiful products, but we didn’t yet know where that journey would take us. The idea for AYA — and the products we’ve launched — evolved naturally over time. With backgrounds in retail and years spent helping other brands grow, starting AYA felt like the right moment to create something of our own and step into our roles as founders. The ROCK The first product shape we chose was the ROCK. 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While wood is a beautiful material, it does have limitations. So we reimagined the rock massager using super-soft, tactile, body-safe silicone, enhancing it with vibration speeds and guided breathing patterns. The POINT Our second shape was inspired by a tool I purchased during my recovery from a broken ankle. In April 2024, I broke my ankle and spent two months housebound in plaster, followed by three months of recovery and physiotherapy. During this time, I was searching for tools to help with massage and trigger-point stimulation for my legs and feet. I came across many different trigger-point tools designed for deep tissue massage, but the one that worked best for me had a wide base and a pointed tip. This shape allowed weight to be applied through the base, driving focused pressure into the body. 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Box Breath — four seconds on, four seconds off, encouraging controlled breathing through holding and releasing. Deep Breath — a slow inhale, pause, and release on repeat, designed to calm the nervous system. Wave Breath — mimics natural breathing patterns, helping to centre and ground you through the rise and fall of vibration. Reimagined, Not Reinvented We haven’t reinvented the wheel at AYA — we’ve reimagined it. Using ideas rooted in history, we’ve brought them into the modern day. We’ve created massagers that are intuitive, discreet, and powerful. They fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, travel easily, and can be used anywhere -  on a train, a plane, or even while sitting in a café with a friend. They can be used for body massage, but also as a calming distraction during times of stress or anxiety. In a world that often feels overwhelming, AYA offers a moment of peace..  a gentle reminder to pause and breathe. We hope you love them as much as we do - Bonny.

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