Considering the unpredictable nature of anxiety and panic attacks, it is best to equip yourself with the proper know how’s in times of emergency. A situational anxiety, anxiety while driving can be very dangerous especially when traveling alone. Most especially when traveling long distance, this situational anxiety is so fast and furious that can have a very detrimental effect, which in extreme cases, can lead you to:
- stop driving and not drive at all
- Unnecessarily hire someone (not to mention the cost)
- Trigger your other fears that can lead to full blown panic attack in slightly similar situations (pressure situations)
The first thing to keep in mind is to stay calm. Remember that our perception towards something subliminally affects our behavior toward it. If you are already anxious before getting on to the driver’s seat. You should stay out of the car for an adequate period of time and take time to do the following:
- Sit back, close your eyes and relax for a bit
- Try to breathe slowly as you can, this helps in the circulation of blood which in turn relaxes the muscle and the mind
After you’ve done this, you should plant a positive thought in mind that you can handle obstacles, emotional impediments and stress every time you drive. If you do this regularly, it will flourish and you will eventually change your viewpoint towards driving. There’s no overnight success especially in dealing with deep rooted fluky fears like anxiety while driving. You should take time to deal with it rather than ignoring it because you’ll never know when and where it will take place. It is always best to equip yourself with the proper knowledge beforehand.
Moreover, here are some simple steps to start your ferocious battle against anxiety while driving:
1.) Breathe in deeply while driving
2.) Putting on calm music such as nature music or the like will hasten the process
3.) Take time to move your body slightly. If you feel that the panic attack is most likely to occur, take time to move your head, shoulders, face, and neck. Intense concentration on the fear will worsen the situation. By moving your body, you will stimulate your senses with other things and divert your awareness.
4.) If you feel tension, get a grip on the wheel to release it. Suppressed and unreleased tension will trigger full blown panic attacks especially if you had already had an experience.
Also, one thing to be cautious about is to learn and accept the fact that anxiety is a multifaceted and vicious mental disorder but can be defeated by iron-willpower and uncompromising commitment to overcome it.
The answer lies in you really. The thing you need to do is just to keep on searching for the key and sometime soon, you will unlock the roomful of anxiety in you.
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