How to Not Be Scared of Driving
Unless you live in a cave, you see hundreds of cars every day. And there is a good reason why – cars are the most effective and cheapest form of land transportation we have.
Yes, going by bicycle might be healthier and more environment-friendly, but it is not as fast, and that matters especially if you are in a rush.
While driving is a relaxing thing for some, for others it is a stressful experience and something they would rather not do. But in the times we are living, not driving a car comes with numerous consequences and that is why everyone is rushing to get their driving license. Still, some people know how to drive yet they have developed a fear about it, and if such a fear is not treated, it can become a serious condition.
If you are familiar with driving fears, you probably know what driving anxiety is. It usually manifests itself as a lack of control, or general discomfort while driving, and is something that can represent a serious risk to your safety and the safety of others. And that is why driving anxiety is something you should confront as soon as possible.
Luckily, although common, anxiety is not something that requires a harsh medical treatment if you have the will and you are ready to work through your issues. But before doing so, it is crucial to know what lies behind the fear so you can confront it.
What are the Fears That Lie Behind Driving Anxiety
When talking about causes of driving anxiety, we can say that there are two major ones – past negative experiences and general fear of uncomfortable situations. For a person that has panic attacks in regular situations, driving can only worsen the condition, and to treat driving anxiety you will have to cope with the underlying panic attack problem.
On the other hand, certain people fear driving because they were either a witness of a car accident or have experienced one themselves. And this cause might be somewhat harder to confront as negative memories usually stick around for a long time. Still, it is not something that you can’t do.
The first and a major tip is to start associating driving with all the positive things that come as a result. The Driving Fear Program gives excellent examples of how to confront such fears and is one of the best resources to guide you through driving anxiety solutions.
Symptoms of Driving Fear
Before we get into how to cope with driving fear, it is essential to know if you really suffer from driving anxiety, there are certain behaviors as well as physical symptoms that might indicate that this is the case.
First and foremost, if you find yourself feeling general discomfort when you are behind the wheel, chances are you suffer from driving anxiety. Along with that, the feeling of being out of control is pretty common with driving anxiety.
Most of the people that develop driving fear usually have certain behavior patterns like not driving at night, not driving alone, or avoiding certain routes. And if you find yourself doing so, it might be time to confront the situation. Instead of supporting your driving anxiety, you should stand up and deal with it.
Apart from certain behavior patterns, physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, trembling, sweating, as well as shortness of breath usually accompanies a fear of driving.
How to Not Be Scared of Driving
If you suffer from driving fear and the numerous consequences that come as a result of it, it is time to put an end to it. And believe us, it is not as hard as you think. A program such as The Driving Fear Program is an excellent way to get started and learn things that could help you in the process.
First, it is essential to accept that you have a problem. By writing down your fears and the possible causes, it will be much easier to solve the problem. Once you have done that, it is time that you actually confront these fears. While this might be easier said than done, it is still something that you are capable of, and that will give you a great boost to solve the issue.
Sit behind the wheel of your car, and drive on a route that is out of your comfort zone – whether it is a freeway or an unknown route at night. Now, we are not saying that you should drive without care for your safety. On the contrary, you should stay safe and focused behind the wheel, but simply try to relax and see it as a normal experience that has positive results.
One of the most important things about facing your driving fear is to connect it with positive situations. Realize all the opportunities that might open if you start to drive more – you will be seeing your friends more often, that job promotion will not be as far away, and you will get to go on short trips a few hours away every weekend if you get back into the driving routine.
Apart from that, you should create a relaxing environment in your car. Whether it is playing relaxing music, or adjusting your seat, being in a car should become a comfortable situation.
Last but not least, one of the best ways to cope and confront anxiety is through practicing abdominal breathing. Most of us aren’t aware of the potential that a proper breathing technique can have on your overall mindset.
Final Thoughts
While a driving fear is quite common, it is not something you should allow to affect your life. If you notice some of these driving anxiety symptoms, you should sit down alone and determine the cause. Once you have done that, it is time to confront it. Following the positive affirmation techniques and other tips above and you will be back on the road in no time, enjoying the ride and everything about it.
