If you follow me on Instagram and constantly read my blog, you’d notice that I have a thing for adventure travel and that I’m inclined towards hiking, in particular. But what you don’t know is that even though I’ve been obsessed with hiking for the past few years, it also helps me overcome fear of heights in a way.
To be more precise, it’s fear of “open” heights. I’m not really sure if this is even a scientific, proper name for what I experience, but this is how I describe it to others. You see, I do not have fear of heights; I have a thing for aerial views and I love being on an airplane. However, if I would just picture having my feet hanging from a rollercoaster, I’d start freaking out. In other words, if I feel safe in a contained environment, I’m good to go. Otherwise, I start experiencing some of the worst feelings in the world.
The funny thing is that I never actually knew I had a phobia up until I did my first-ever hike, Mount Sinai, in Egypt. As I told you, I loved airplanes and I thought I was just afraid of rollercoasters; it’s supposedly a rational fear, right? So, how would I know? It took me a couple of more hiking experiences, along with my first rock climbing attempt to actually come to the realization that I might be phobic. But how to get over a fear of heights?
Over time, I’ve become more obsessed with hiking; I even dragged my colleagues all the way to South Sinai to film our graduation project, which I made revolve around adventure travel in Egypt. On every visit to a canyon, I got more attached. Not sure whether it’s the nature, the challenge, the sense of achievement after reaching the summit, or the beautiful view; I just happen to find solace in the mountains.
Last February, a few hours before my 24th birthday, I hiked all the way to the top of Lion’s Head in Cape Town, South Africa. This was my third mountain, but even though it’s the shortest of them all, it was the most challenging. On this day, I truly impressed myself even more than I did the time before. I took my time and all, but despite Lion’s Head’s scrambling and climbing nature, I managed to find every crack to hang onto.
Climbing has always been one of the most challenging activities for me, and my progress just made me proud. I made it all the way up in unpredictably bad weather, didn’t stop, and I even took the hard trail without any second thoughts.
Sounds like all rainbows and butterflies, right? Well, it was indeed incredibly fulfilling, but racing heartbeats, the dizziness, the numbness, and the shortness of breath aren’t. Yes, I told you I was improving, but only at technical matters; the phobia doesn’t just go away and I definitely cannot claim I know how to completely overcome my fear of heights.
Many people would think that some pep talk or even guiding me through would do, but no. I actually reached a phase where I actually know what I’m doing to an extent. I’ve hiked a few mountains, had my share of hiking experiences in canyons (including advanced level ones), as well as a couple of rock climbing experiences, which all helped. But no matter what I do, the feelings I get, and the physical pain I have to endure, do not go away with a press of a button; no, it’s not me chickening out.
I remember I once had a panic attack as I was trying to climb a rock formation and I was only a couple of meters above ground level. I just froze, started crying uncontrollably, my body was numb, and I was extremely dizzy. Up or down, I couldn’t move in either direction; I just froze until my muscles couldn’t take it anymore, I had to pull myself back up there with the help of a friend.
You’re now probably thinking to yourself, why is this maniac torturing herself? Well, I’m not; I just simply enjoy hiking. Don’t get me wrong, but I enjoy certain experiences even if I have to endure unpleasant feelings. I found that hiking was satisfying for me in a way, and that’s why I was willing to give it a shot.
The same goes for any experience that seems interesting to me, like that time at Bali Swing; man, that was crazy! I’m even giving rock climbing another chance now. But if you ask me to jump off a bridge or a plane, I’d pass. Sorry, skydivers and bungee jumpers, but that’s just not my cup of tea. Simply because I don’t see any pleasure in a free fall (that’s definitely subjective, of course). So, I’d rather save myself a panic attack.
7 Tips to Help Overcome Fear of Heights While Hiking
If you’re wondering now what’s my secret recipe, I could compile that in a few tips:
- I keep a steady pace.
- No matter what, I take my time. There’s no need to rush and it’s not a race.
- I stop to rest if I feel like my body really needs it. I’ve learned to listen to my body throughout the process.
- I stay hydrated and I keep a sugary snack on me.
- I pack a chocolate bar to reward myself on the summit.
- And most importantly, I fill my head with positive thoughts and positive thoughts only. Someone recently told me to sing, and it kind of gets my mind off of things.
- Also, I make sure to let anyone I’m hiking with know about my condition. Just in case anything happens, they wouldn’t freak out, and to not slow them down either.
What about you? Have you experienced anything similar before? And if you know the secret to how to overcome the fear of heights, please be my guest and drop a comment below.
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You might also like:
- 9 Proven Tips for Hiking Beginners – First Time on Trail
- Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking Bali’s Mount Batur
- Mount Sinai, Egypt: A Complete Guide to an Epic Hike
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
Keep going! It’s great that you can do what you love, even in the face of fear. I’ve never considered myself
afraid of heights, I even love roller coasters. But a few years ago, hiking down a mountain in Yosemite, I
walked to the edge for a photo and freaked out! When I climbed the Eiffel Tower, I almost froze up. But
that’s not going to stop me from seeing the world! 🙂
Thanks for your encouraging words! Here’s to traveling the world! Cheers 🙂
Wow, this is so impressive. I am not one for hiking, but sometimes I get the courage up to do a small
adventure. I have so much respect for you!
Thank you 🙂 Your words meant a lot!
I love that you challenge yourself like this. I do the same but my fears are different (although I’m also not a
fan of heights). I hate flying and still go on planes because I love traveling and experiencing new places,
and I’m not willing to let my fears deprive me of experiences like that.
I can definitely relate! I’m glad we’re making it through 😀
Wow you’re really brave! I’m not afraid of
heights but I couldn’t imagine doing what
you do if I were 🙈
Your words made my day!
I have a friend who is scared of heights but still hikes, and my sis was terrified until i took her ziplining and
now she doesnt mind heights at all. great to see people overcoming fears
Baby steps 😀
Great insights into a real challenge for many people, thanks for sharing. Great photo
of you in the Bali swing too!
Thanks a lot! I’m glad you found it useful 🙂
This is such a great idea for a post! I too am afraid of heights, but I also love hiking!
Well, you are not alone!
Love your tips! Despite the occasional dizziness, I continue to hike… too many beautiful things to see out
there 😀
Kudos to us!
Wow! You’ve got a will of steel to deal with
your fear of heights.
Thanks a lot for your words 🙂
As someone with a bad fear of heights, I loved this. Never attempted climbing (ok, not since the last time
when I freaked out hahaha) but solo hiking or even clambering over rocks etc, I have to take care to keep
my mind at ease and remember I’m more sure-footed than I realise!
It definitely takes a lot of mental energy!
Woah….. you have serious guts! That Bali swing photo gave me goosebumps and that sinking feeling that
goes from my heart to my tummy. I hate heights and I completely understand where you are coming from.
I forced myself to do this really high zipline with my family in Hawaii and twice my feet couldn’t move and
I nearly cried. But I also know that I can’t have a lot of experiences if I don’t overcome it somehow. So,
keep going and explain to the people with you about your fear and how they can help you manage it.
Thanks! It’s really not easy and doing this several times on one trip is not cool either hehe.. Definitely explaining it to others is important, especially that people often have this mistaken for regular fear or they just pity you.. it’s frustrating either ways!
I also have a fear of heights and it has stopped me sometimes from enjoying trips. I remember feeling sick
on the bus up Montserrat in Barcelona and also looking out of Burj Khalifa in Dubai. These are great tips!
It’s great to know a lot of travelers and adventurers out there can relate too 🙂
Hey Nadine! I really enjoyed your article. When I was 13 years old, my brother took me for a ride in a roller coaster, for me that was a dramatic moment, because I was very scared of heights at that time. But since then I have been fed with many adventures like this, and I believe that fear can be overcome by simply maintaining a state of inner peace, I think a bit of meditation with ourselves before a challenge is the most appropriate. So good luck in everything you do and let’s keep us motivated and positive. Have a great day!
I should really try meditation next time, thanks for the tip and thanks for sharing 🙂
Im a severe aeroacrophobic and this
fear kept me from vacations and
trips. I am a nature lover and i hate
the way i feel when i climb heigh
rocks, mountains and castles where i
go with my family to visit
You are an inspiration!! I loved the
post and it gave me a sense of hope
that impossible it’s just an illusion
😄😉 you should be really proud 🥳
🥳 That’s huge effort ⭐⭐👏👏
Thank you for your kind words! I really hope my experience could help you overcome your own fears too 🙂
Hello, I found your article whilst looking up
tips for hiking and fear of heights! I’ve always
had a horrible fear of heights, I’ve been slowly
working on it and hiking up higher places is
helping. Your beautifully written account has
made me feel less alone in my struggle or how
I face it. I recently had to stop 3/4 of the way
up a hill and then almost go on all fours
around a narrow path, I kept repeating the
mantra mind over matter. I remind myself that
the hardest part is the fear I’m feeling in that
moment and that it’s just a feeling, keep
moving forwards by any means, if it means
crawling or holding onto the sides so be it. I’ve
stopped caring about how l look, people can’t
see the inner struggle.
I’m so glad my post resonated with you 🙂 It’s great that you’re making progress even if it’s just baby steps! Trust me, it gets better! Keep the high spirit!
Oh this is a great mantra! Mindset is definitely key.. I’m happy my read made you feel less alone 🙂