Rush hour traffic can put everyone on the alert and make people even go into survival mode, with hearts racing every time an accident almost happens. Even without rush hour traffic, driving can be scary in a busy city.
At least this is how I view driving, since driving has been one of the activities that has produced the most anxiety for me my entire life. Luckily for any women like me who experience some form of anxiety or stress while driving, experts and everyday people have some tips on how to reduce stress related to driving.
Len Saunders, a children’s health, fitness and wellness specialist, said in an email that breathing exercises can help relieve stress, even while driving.
“While driving, take a deep breath through your nose, hold the breath for four seconds, and slowly exhale through your mouth,” Saunders said. “Do this five times, find a comfort zone in your seat, and focus on the driving at hand.”
Susanne Alexander-Heaton, the author of “The ABC Field Guide to Faeries,” suggested turning a generally negative aspect of driving into a positive experience.
“Instead of cursing red lights, look at it as an opportunity to be fully present and focus on deep breathing,” Alexander-Heaton said. “You will be amazed at the difference it makes and the fact that you will actually look forward to red lights.”
Angela Betancourt, who lives in Miami, said in an email that she experiences horrible traffic during a 45-minute commute to work and back home. However, she has been able to reduce the stress that she used to experience while driving through the six following steps:
1) “I prepare my route before getting in my car so that I don’t fear
getting lost.”
2) “I keep perspective when I’m stuck in very bad traffic. If an accident
on the interstate is making you late, remember that it’s NOT you in an
accident and someone else is having a far worse day.”
3) “I take a few deep breaths when I'm feeling angry [at] another driver or
road rage creeping up.”
4) “I focus on my destination and acknowledge that I'm not in my car
forever.”
5) “I listen to music that I love and I sing out loud. I don’t care if
other [people] are staring; they probably want to do the same thing.”
6) “I let the blood flow! I’ve caught myself gripping onto my steering
wheel so hard sometimes my fingertips were turning white. Loosen the grip.”
Diana Fletcher, a stress reducing expert, had five tips for helping women reduce stress when driving:
1. “Make sure you leave with plenty of time to get to your destination. If this involves getting up earlier, so be it. You should not be rushing.”
2. “Do not multi-task when you are driving and do not listen to the news if it upsets you. Soft music or whatever music you enjoy is a good idea.”
3. “When stuck in traffic, do three deep breaths. Slowly and deeply in through nose, and slowly and deeply out through the mouth.”
4. “When you start feeling stressed, say something like, ‘Oh, I remember when this used to bother me - I am happy that it doesn't anymore.’ This will get the brain thinking in a different way.”
5. “Smile. Even when you don't feel like it. Great stress reducer.”
Sources:
Saunders, Len. Email interview. Jan. 10, 2012.
Alexander-Heaton, Susanne. Email interview. Jan. 10, 2012.
Betancourt, Angela. Email interview. Jan. 10, 2012.
Fletcher, Diana. Email interview. Jan. 10, 2012.
Reviewed January 12, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith