Driving Anxiety Tips
Anxiety is a new age medical condition that is becoming more present in people at any age, and it is possible to experience it in almost any social situation. Driving anxiety is one of the most common types of anxiety, and if it is left untreated, it can result in a variety of consequences, of which some are possibly life-threatening for the person experiencing it as well as everyone around.
It is clear that anxiety is the result of our brain playing tricks on us. It connects a certain situation to a previous unpleasant experience, resulting in fear, anxiety, and discomfort. Once we are anxious about something, chances are that we are either going to evade it or act in an out-of-control manner.
While anxiety is a pretty common condition, it is not something that requires a harsh medical treatment (at least in most cases), and without the use of any drugs, you will be able to get back in control. Overcoming driving anxiety is pretty important especially given the fact that being a good driver will allow you the much-needed freedom to go wherever you want and reach the desired destination in a fast and convenient way.
Driving anxiety comes either as a result of a previous unpleasant experience (such as witnessing a car accident or being in one), or a general panic attack syndrome. Both reasons have to be treated. The first step of treating any kind of condition is to accept that you suffer from it. Once you have done that, everything else is a piece of cake, so to speak.
Accept Your Driving Anxiety
In order for you to accept the problem, you will need to know how to identify it. Now, driving anxiety can come in a variety of forms. From mild anxiety, such as simple discomfort while being on a freeway, to panic attacks and feeling of a loss of control, behind anxiety lies a fear that is either caused by previous experience, negative affirmation, or your general approach towards new situations.
The best way to know if you suffer from driving anxiety is to take a look at certain physical symptoms. People that experience driving anxiety have reported that they experience heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, stuttering, chest pain, and difficulties breathing. Apart from that, certain behavior changes might happen although you might not realize that you are doing them.
If you see yourself avoiding certain routes or driving only at certain times of day, as well as finding excuses not to sit behind a wheel, you suffer from driving anxiety (especially if it is accompanied by the above mentioned physical symptoms). The Driving Fear Program offers great tips and solutions on how to approach these issues and start the path to regaining your driving confidence.
Tips on Coping With Driving Anxiety
Once you have determined that you suffer from driving anxiety it is time to deal with the issue. Your first step should be to sit down and determine the factors are that are causing your distress and discomfort. Why don’t you feel comfortable and safe while you are alone in your car? Have you had a bad nighttime driving experience? A solution can be as simple as changing your car’s interior environment – play some music, open your windows, and enjoy the ride.
If you were lucky enough to realize and accept your problem, coping with it will be much easier. First, this is nothing you should rush through. Take it slowly in a step-by-step process. If it’s been a long time since you last sat behind the wheel for a freeway ride, that is fine – start by regaining your routine driving confidence, and move on as the days go by.
However, you should move out of your comfort zone so if you know how to drive but you simply don’t feel comfortable driving on a particular route, it is time to change that. Stay calm and focused, and realize that it is the same as any other road (even though you might have had a negative experience on it). The key to this is a positive mindset.
As you might know, negative thoughts present quite a problem – if you start believing there will be a negative outcome before the situation has even happened, you are likely to be correct. That is why it is time to connect your driving experience to positive results. Figure out all the benefits of a regular driving routine and focus on that. Think of all the freedom you will get by becoming a confident driver, all the opportunities that will open up. And let’s not forget, you are going to feel more secure in general knowing that you are once again in the control of yourself and your thoughts.
It is so important to ‘get back on the horse if you fall off of it.’ We all fail and that is what life is all about – the ups and the downs. Instead of hanging out the white flag, you should get back up and learn something from your mistakes. The recovery process might not be easy, but is sure going to be worth it.
Have a determined goal in your mind and stick to it, and before you even realize it, you will be there at the finishing line. The Driving Fear Program is our recommendation if you want to know more about the strategies on confronting driving anxiety, as well as having some great tips on how to boost your driving confidence.
Lastly, you are probably not aware of the importance of proper breathing and that is something you should change immediately. By implementing abdominal breathing techniques in your daily routine, you will feel more safe and confident, and whenever anxiety tries to get at you, the breathe in/out technique will swiftly shake your fears.
Final Thoughts
Driving anxiety is a common problem, and it is not something you should be embarrassed about. On the contrary, as soon as you accept it, you will be on the path to conquering it and getting back on track. As you can see, coping with anxiety is as easy as implementing positive affirmation and learning some simple abdominal breathing techniques.
