Stress Behind the Wheel and Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Driving

People get stressed about a whole range things, let's face it, we are all different. While some of us are petrified of spiders others have a real fear of cars. Some of us worry about just being a passenger and being driven while others have a fear of driving the car.

A basic fear of driving can catch us out in different guises. Some people worry about driving alone, other are worried about driving in snow, of over bridges, or on motorways or at night and so it goes on.

So how do we deal with this anxiety and fear of driving?

There are several of overcoming a Fear of Driving.... Let's take a look at some of them.

Getting on top of your fear of driving is not something that will happen in an instant but more a process that will take time. Driving in general is an activity that should cause the least amount of anxiety in order to keep you safe on the road. Reducing your excessive amount of unnecessary fear is a slightly more challenging. Here are a few suggestions that you may find helpful.

Face Your Fears Head on

This is so easy to say and not so easy to do and it may well be a lot harder for some than others. It may not be possible if your fear is so high you can't even approach the car let alone get inside it.

For those people who are able to summon the nerve to get into the car and behind the wheel, don't stop doing this and do keep on driving. Keep driving even if it causes a lot of anxiety. The people who avoid driving due to their phobias are simply underlining their fears. You can never overcome your driving fears if you will not face them head on.

Drive in Traffic-Free Areas

Driving with as little stress as possible will help you a lot and it will encourage you to get your confidence back. Drive for enough time so you become bored and are tired. Find a large, empty car park if necessary and drive until you start to feel more relaxed again behind the wheel.

The longer you are able to do this will mean that driving will become easier for you; especially if the hazard free. Keep driving and keep practicing and gradually this will help you to get over your anxiety.

Avoid any Further Anxiety by Being a Safe Driver

Make sure that your driving is safe and you are not making life difficult for yourself by creating self-inflicted anxiety levels with poor driving habits. If you have doubts about your driving ability, then consider taking a few refresher lessons from a qualified driving instructor. If you know your driving is up to standard, you will feel a lot happier.

Practice Mindfulness Eliminate Driving Anxiety

Listen to your body! It's vital that you are aware of any warning signs of stress and tension arising in you. If you listen to your body and are awake to the signs or symptoms of stress, you'll have a better chance of talking yourself out of them and staying calm and collected.

If your mind does start to drift towards those unwanted negative thoughts or if you notice you are gripping the wheel tighter than you really need to, being able to center yourself and control your thoughts and emotions will be hugely beneficial and you will gradually see an improvement in your stress levels

Being able to efficiently deal with stress and doing so, gradually overcome your fear of driving is essential to be safe on the road.