Driving anxiety is a condition of potential stress, discomfort, or fear specifically connected with driving.
From a little nervousness to intense panic attacks, its impact varies from person to person.
At times, it is extremely forceful that it rules to an ultimate escape from driving.
As driving anxiety is subjective, every person going through it goes through distinct experiences. However, some standard symptoms can be felt by everyone suffering from it.
Some of them are sweating, trembling, high heart rate, and catastrophic thoughts.
In this blog, we will explore the common symptoms, share research insights, and offer tips on overcoming driving anxiety.
Common Symptoms of Driving Anxiety
To recognize driving anxiety, it is important to know its common symptoms. Most of these symptoms are synonymous with that of panic attacks.
Understand What Sparks Your Anxiety
For instance:
- An impulsive and intense feeling of fear
- Sweating, racing heart, and trembling
- Feeling nauseous
- Dry mouth
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
These are the common symptoms, but at times, the anxiety attacks are intense enough that they make people scared sufficiently, causing them to avoid driving or even being in a vehicle. It drastically influences their life and causes numerous hindrances at every stage of life.
Research and Facts About Driving Anxiety
A study conducted by UH and Texas A&M Transportation Institute found that the heart rates of anxious and non-anxious drivers differ by five beats per minute.
Moreover, it has also been investigated that increasing a vehicle’s speed increases driver’s heart rate. The drivers driving at 25 mph and 65 mph were observed, and a visible difference of around four beats per minute has been noticed.
Another UAE motorist survey reveals that a high percentage of 84% of drivers are prone to stress and driving anxiety. Also, the most popular age group is females aged between 35 and 44.
5 Tips to Overcome Driving Anxiety
Gradual Exposure and Desensitization
One of the most recommended and influential ways to overcome driving anxiety is to start with the small and familiar route.
A smaller route ends up soon, and a familiar route can make you feel comfortable, making the driver feel a lot more satisfied and convenient to drive.
It’s more like taking little steps to make a big one, and it is one of the easiest yet influential approaches.
Once you are comfortable with smaller and familiar routes, gradually move towards longer ones. This will make you feel much better and more managed.
Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation techniques is another impactful approach to be employed during times of higher driving anxiety.
One of the simplest exercises recommended in case of tension and discomfort is deep breathing, which is highly suggested to maintain driving stress.
Other than that, progressive muscle relaxation is also recommended.
However, these exercises are not limited to physical but can also be mental. For instance, mindfulness and meditation can be sound approaches to overcoming fear and relieving stress.
Professional Help
If the driving anxiety you’re facing is severe, there might be a need for proper professional help.
Cognitive Behavioural therapy can be helpful as it focuses on negative thoughts and behaviors and provokes an optimistic approach.
Another professional technique is hypnotherapy. It focuses on the relaxed and focused mind to manage stress and anxiety.
Last but not least, consulting with a driving instructor specialized in anxiety can be very beneficial by giving true insights and guiding you genuinely.
Practical Strategies
Implementing good and practical strategies is another way of reducing stress and discomfort during driving.
Most of the time, we plan just at the very moment and not preplan the journey. It is one major cause of stress and tension for even non-anxious drivers. It is always suggested that the journey is preplanned by deciding the roads and routes before the trip begins.
Moreover, navigation tools and GPS are effective strategies to reduce fear.
If you’re afraid to drive alone and get lost, bring a family member or a trusted friend. It will boost your confidence, and you can practice to overcome the stress greatly.
Building Confidence
Overcoming obstacles requires time and effort. But the notable thing is the little achievements and their celebrations. When you are grateful for little steps, the big step welcomes you.
Regular practice is essential to enhancing and maintaining confidence and avoiding anxiety. Similarly, celebrating small victories can boost confidence.
Moreover, to appreciate yourself, keep a journal of progress that reminds you of your success journey.
Conclusion
Who doesn’t want to wander around the world? But if you’re suffering from driving anxiety, it may hinder you from enjoying life to its fullest.
From recognizing the symptoms to tips to overcoming driving anxiety, this guide covers all the things you need to know to tackle driving anxiety and caters to a comfortable and satisfied ride with a safe dryver.
Follow the tips to eliminate stress and anxiety and enjoy each ride with the ultimate confidence and conviction.
