How to Overcome Driving Anxiety? 5 Tips from Professionals
You can beat driving anxiety. If you feel scared to drive or get anxious on the highway, these tips can help ease your fear of driving.
Driving can make some people
feel really scared and anxious. Driving anxiety isn't just being a little
nervous — it can be a big problem that stops people from living their lives
fully.
But if you're someone who
feels anxious
about driving, there are ways to help you overcome that fear and start
driving with confidence again.
What is Driving Anxiety?
Driving anxiety is a strong,
sometimes overpowering fear or discomfort linked to driving. People with
driving anxiety are genuinely afraid to drive. It can range from feeling a bit
uneasy to having serious panic attacks or avoiding driving altogether.
Everyone feels driving anxiety
differently, but typical signs might include a fast heartbeat, sweating,
shaking, or feeling like something bad is about to happen. It's important to
notice these signs so you can deal with them.
But if driving anxiety is
keeping you from living your life, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor to make
sure there isn't another reason for how you feel. Below are some tips from our
driving experts.
1. Identify
your Triggers
Understand what makes you
anxious, like traffic jams, fast speeds, or driving by yourself. Once you know the
cause, you can figure out ways to handle those situations better.
Sometimes, it's useful to have
tools to help us understand our feelings and emotions during stressful times.
2. Try
Relaxation Techniques Before Driving
Before you start driving,
doing grounding techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation
(PMR), or mindfulness can help calm your mind and make you less anxious.
But remember, some techniques
like PMR might not be safe to do while driving, so it's best to do them before
you start driving.
3. Exercise
Regularly
Exercising regularly can lower
anxiety and stress. If you make exercise a part of your routine, it can help
you manage your anxiety and make you feel more relaxed and in control when
you're driving.
4. Try
Visualization Before You Drive
Before you start driving, try
visualization techniques to get ready mentally and emotionally. Picture
yourself on the road feeling calm, happy, and in control. This can help you
feel more confident when you start driving.
5. Repeat
Affirmations to Boost Confidence
While you're driving, using
affirmations can boost your confidence and help you stay calm. Saying things
like "I am safe" or "I am in control" can make you feel
better when you're behind the wheel. If you start to panic or feel unsure, find
a safe spot to pull over and repeat your affirmations until you feel better.
6. Be
Patient and Compassionate
Whenever you do something
while feeling anxious, you're already being incredibly brave. Facing things
that scare you isn't easy, but it's a big way to take care of yourself. No
matter what, be kind to yourself.
If you feel ready to drive
again, celebrate that as a victory. And if you find that the self-care methods
aren't helping enough, it's okay to ask for help or advice from a professional.
7. Seek
Professional Help
Having the support of a
therapist or counselor who knows a lot about anxiety disorders can sometimes
give you the tools and understanding you need to handle your driving anxiety
better.
It might take a while to get
over your driving anxiety, but with the right help, it's possible to get
through it.
You can also feel anxious if
you don’t know driving. So, you can consider a professional driving school like
Karun Driving School in Port
Coquitlam to become a confident driver.
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