Most of the time, we think that bad, dangerous and reckless driving comes from unskilled drivers. However, most of the time, it is caused by anxiety and stress.
For that reason, it is extremely important that your driving style is without anxiety and stress. Staying calm and positive is not always easy to maintain, but it is essential for good drivers.
Image credit: pakorn | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Fear of driving might seem silly to some people, but in reality, it is a real and very potent fear.
Nevertheless, just like with any phobia or fear, there are ways to overcome it without any consequences.
Your lifestyle is important
Driving is not a space-time bubble where all your problems magically disappear – if only it were that easy. But even while driving, we ponder about issues that are currently affecting our lives.
For most drivers, these situations can be extremely stressful and can cause road anxiety, which influences driving to a point that they make serious, life-threatening mistakes. In order to avoid any road anxiety, it is important to keep your life well and sound.
Driving in itself is a stressful activity, and it is better to keep any outside stress out of it. Getting rid of life stress is not easy, but it is an essential skill for driving to go smoothly without any issues.
Overcoming the fear of being the driver
Certainly one thing that is advised for anyone who is afraid to sit in the driver’s seat is to just first behave as a passenger, and then gradually work their way up to being the driver themselves. Practice makes perfect. That is why it is important to learn how to deal with driving stress. For some, it may take longer to master this, and they should take their time.
Shifting gears slowly and driving up and down the street can help reduce driving stress and help you get in the seat in no time. Practice running simple errands with your car to build up enough courage to get out on the open road, or think about taking a safe driving course, and with time, it will feel like you have been driving there your whole life.
Your car, your utopia
A fear of driving also comes from your car. Make it so that your car feels like you are in your room, calm and relaxed. Quiet music can have a relaxing effect, which will help you feel like there is no single worry in the world, and make you feel safe enough to drive like a pro.
Have a calming buddy
If you are afraid to drive alone just yet, then have a buddy sit next to you until you feel safe enough to drive on your own. Your friend can point out what you are perhaps doing wrong and help you improve your driving and feel safe as a driver.
Just breathe
If all else fails, stop the car, pull over, and breathe deeply. How you breathe can greatly influence your anxiety. If you can calm yourself down by breathing when push comes to shove, then you are ready to face the open roads.
Ariel Bellamy
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