Top tips to avoid stress & anxiety behind the wheel
Due to COVID-19 you may not have driven for a while and the thought getting back behind the wheel after a long period of time might seem daunting.
We’re not encouraging long drives during these times, but we want to provide you with some top tips on how to calm any nerves or anxiety about driving, even if it’s just to the local shop!
- Leave yourself an extra 5 or 10 minutes for any potential traffic. This will help you avoid feeling rushed.
- Plan and check your route before setting off to work out where you need to go. This will prepare you for any scary roundabouts or awkward junctions that might normally trigger stress.
- Ignore bad drivers. Remember to focus on the road and your driving, and don’t let other drivers’ behaviour affect you.
- Don’t drive tired or hungover. If in doubt, ask a member of your household who you are isolating with to drive you or walk. Alternatively, just stay at home and wait until tomorrow!
- Breathe. Sounds simple right? However, when we feel stressed or anxious, we can sometimes forget to breathe properly. Take deep long breaths as you drive or for five minutes before you drive to help calm nerves or anxiety.
- Tell a friend or family member how you feel. Saying how you feel out loud makes it real and allows people to help and comfort you. It’s completely normal to feel the way you feel so why not reach out?
Remember, if you’re struggling with your mental health, there is always help available.
Young Minds – https://youngminds.org.uk/
One You – https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/
Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/
