How to Calm Yourself Before Driving

If the thought of driving a car makes your palms sweaty and your heart beat faster, you most likely endure bumpy rides rather than tranquil commutes. Driving-related stress causes distracting physical and emotional symptoms, making you a less attentive driver. If driving is part of your life, use creative lifestyle changes to calm your body and provide peace of mind before your next drive.

Instructions

• 1

  Verbalize your nervousness about driving with friends and family. Feedback from people who care about you can ease the burden of keeping your feelings to yourself. Their words of encouragement can be calming and helpful.

• 2

  Avoid triggers that make you nervous while driving. If you find driving on a busy freeway or during rush hour traffic are especially unnerving, find alternative back roads and drive during less busy times of the day. Alleviate as many driving-related stressors as possible.

• 3

  Limit the number of people that ride in your car at one time. Distracting conversations will make you more tense and less attentive to the road. Do not be afraid to tell your passengers to keep their conversations quiet.

• 4

  Get enough sleep, and be well-rested before driving. Feeling tired interferes with your ability to stay focused. If you slept poorly the night before, a short nap may be in order before your commute.

• 5

  Relax with 10 minutes of meditation before you get into your car. Playing soft meditation music, muscle relaxation and slow, deep breathing can be part of your meditation routine. Everyone uses different meditation techniques, so be creative and use techniques that work for you.

• 6

  Tune in to a radio station that you find calming. Whether you enjoy soft music or talk radio, find a station that you enjoy before pulling out of your driveway. Avoid searching through the radio stations while you are driving, as this will add to your stress by creating an unnecessary distraction.

• 7

  Create an aromatherapy spritzer for your car. Mix distilled water with a few drops of lavender oil, known for its relaxing effects. Place the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz a soft mist around your car before driving.