You might be worried that you'll eventually have an anxiety attack on a busy highway and unintentionally compromise your own safety. Or maybe you recently had a panic attack behind the wheel, and now, you're hesitant to drive again. Taking lessons with an instructor who specializes in helping anxious drivers like RoyDrive can help you regain your confidence. Here are a few tips that will help you reduce your driving anxiety..Try to relax before you even get in the driver's seat. As you get ready to head out, you put on a calming playlist and listen with noise-cancelling headphones. This will block out distractions and allow you to focus on your favorite music! Aim to find a high-quality pair of headphones that don't exceed your budget.
Listening to music with headphones in the car can be risky, as you might not hear other drivers on the road and lose awareness of your surroundings. However, you can still listen to a playlist that keeps you feeling calm through your stereo..
The best way to address your fears of driving is through practice. You could ask a patient friend or relative to sit in the passenger seat while you drive in different conditions. This could include driving on highways, in inclement weather, or at night. You can ask for advice and guidance on driving safely, and your passenger can help you navigate. Soon, you'll feel like you can tackle these routes on your own!
You can even practice some breathing and relaxation techniques when you're behind the wheel. Do You recommends breathing in and out for the same count and rolling your shoulders to bring some relief after sitting for long periods of time. Of course, you should not attempt any stress-reduction techniques that would take your attention away from the task at hand - make sure that focusing on the road is still your priority. You could also try meditating before you drive..
Do you ever feel anxious before a drive because you're going somewhere new, and you just don't know what to expect on your route? Prior to leaving, plug your destination into your GPS and look at the route that you'll be taking. If you notice anything that makes you uncomfortable, you can look up options for adjusting your route. Rather than driving into the unknown, you'll have a general picture of what route you'll be taking, whether you'll be taking highways or driving through residential areas, and how long you'll probably be in the car.
If you are afraid to get behind the wheel again, it's time to reach out for professional help. In addition to working with an instructor who helps anxious drivers like RoyDrive, you may want to schedule an appointment with a therapist who can teach you effective stress management methods.
Finding a therapist who you click with can take some time. Healthline recommends asking your loved ones for recommendations and searching for therapists who specialize in anxiety through online databases. Through a combination of therapy and driving lessons, you'll likely be able to release the anxiety you've been feeling about driving.
Driving can be anxiety-inducing - after all, it's an activity that comes with real risks. But building your confidence as a driver will make it easier for you to get through everything from your commute to a family road trip. By implementing these tips, you'll feel much more comfortable in the driver's seat!
Need a driving instructor who can help you overcome your anxiety? Sign up for lessons with RoyDrive! Email us today at roy@roydrive.com to schedule your first lesson. Photo via Pexels
