Affirmations and positive self-talk can help regulate stress while driving. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations, such as "I am a safe and confident driver" or "I can handle this situation easily." This can help shift your mindset from one of anxiety and stress to one of calm and confidence.
Calming music can be pretty powerful in times of stress. Choose music you enjoy with a relaxing effect, such as classical or ambient music. Avoid music that is too loud or distracting, as this can be dangerous and lead to further stress.
Distractions such as phone calls, text messages, or eating while driving can be dangerous and raise stress levels. Thus, it's crucial to avoid distractions while driving and to focus on the road ahead. Put your phone on silent or in airplane mode, and pull over if you need to make a call or send a text message.
Certain driving habits can increase stress levels while driving. For example, aggressive driving, such as speeding or tailgating, can be dangerous and stressful. So, it's best to adjust your driving habits and adopt a more calm and relaxed approach to driving. Practice defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe following distance and anticipating other drivers' actions.
Dehydration can increase stress levels and impair driving ability. Please, do your best to stay hydrated while driving by drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as these can lead to more stress and apprehension.
Long journeys can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Taking regular breaks to rest and recharge can help you dominate your driving stress. Plus, this will help you stay focused and alert and reduce the risk of stress and fatigue behind the wheel. Take a short walk, stretch, or rest and relax if possible.
One of the leading causes of stress while driving is feeling rushed or running late. If this happens to be your case, planning might help you regulate stress while driving. This will help you feel more relaxed and in control and reduce the likelihood of making hasty decisions or taking unnecessary risks on the road.
Driving is a personal experience, but people may feel bad about their driving insecurities. If the stress while driving impacts your daily life or causes you considerable distress, know you're not alone. Seeking professional help might help you cope with this problem! Mental health professionals are trained to devise strategies to ease your driving experience.