A Guide for Anxious Drivers

Experiencing anxiety or stress

while driving is incredibly common

in today’s fast-paced world.

Chances for anxiety increase when

the driver already suffers from

these symptoms in everyday life,

and even more so when a driver is

involved in a traumatic collision.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to

train the brain to overcome these

uncomfortable feelings while

operating a vehicle.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s

make driving fun again!

If you’re the type of person who

prefers to drive with the stereo

blasting, it could actually be the

noise that is the source of your

anxiety. Whether it be the angry

rantings of a legendary rock ’n’

roller or a slew of news reports on

tragic world events, repeatedly

reinforcing negativity ultimately

affects your overall mood.

Switch it up and see how your

brain responds to something

calmer. Change your station to

classical, create a playlist of your

favorite chill out tracks, or if you

want to get really adventurous,

try driving in silence.

While being mindful of the road is usually the number one lesson taught in driver’s

ed, it’s amazing how quickly we forget to pay attention with all the incessant

distractions surrounding us. Whatever the distraction may be – text messages, radio,

personal problems – they can all wait until you’re out of the car.

Try some basic deep breathing exercises (with your eyes open!) to help you find a

little peace as you focus on what’s in front of you.

Taking a defensive driving

class is an excellent way to

reeducate yourself on proper

driving techniques. Doing so

will not only make you a

better driver, but it will also

give you a greater sense of

control, which in turn

reduces stress and anxiety.

Browsing new cars for sale may

sound a little extreme, but for

many drivers, it’s the feeling of a

lack of security that generates

nervousness. It could be that your

compact-sized car is creating

unease in regards to your safety

among larger vehicles on the road,

maybe your truck failed a crash

and safety rating test, or perhaps

your SUV is riddled with a large

number of safety recalls. Whatever

the reason, it’s important to

choose a vehicle that

makes you feel comfortable

behind the wheel.

For some individuals, driving

anxiety goes much deeper. Some

actually develop a phobia,

making it almost impossible to

even think about driving. If you

believe you might be suffering

from something much larger on

the anxiety scale, set up an

appointment with your doctor or

a therapist. Chances are, they

can help you explore the phobia

in a healthy and constructive

way that offers you a new

of seeing things.

New technology in the automotive arena is making driving a safer

experience for everyone. Automated parking systems, rearview cameras,

and blindspot warning systems are just a few of many new features you

can take advantage of in newer vehicles to help

regain your sense of peace.

Always allow yourself some

extra time to get there. If you’re

someone who rushes around to

avoid arriving late, it’s possible

your worries concerning

punctuality could very well be

the catalyst for your troubles.

Put your worries aside and get

organized ahead of time instead

by planning your route online.

Doing so will decrease your

chances of getting lost and help

you avoid roadblocks such as

traffic accidents and

construction projects.

Desert Sun Auto Group is your one-stop auto shop for the hottest new vehicles.

Servicing New Mexico and West Texas, you can count on us to provide the best

selection of new and pre-owned vehicles at an unbeatable price. Browse our

inventory online at www.DesertSunMotors.com.

http://www.driverside.com/auto-

library/8_ways_to_reduce_stress_while_driving-961

http://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-a-Driving-Phobia

http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/types/driving