There are few things more anxiety-inducing than driving. With the constant threat of traffic, accidents, and other motorists acting erratically on the road, it’s easy to see why many people feel like they’re in danger while behind the wheel. But with a little bit of self-talk and positive thinking, you can turn your fear into confidence. Below are 15 affirmations for driving anxiety that will help make your drive home less stressful!
What Is Driving Anxiety?
Driving anxiety is often caused by a fear of the unknown. When you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle, you’re directing a very large machine and navigating through vehicles that are often moving at high speeds. Even with the best of intentions, accidents can happen, and it’s easy to feel out-of-control when you’re not sure what other motorists will do around you.
Although it can be overwhelming, you should know that there are countless people who feel anxious behind the wheel, too. Everyone has fears and anxieties about certain things in life; driving just happens to be one of them for many people!
What Are the Symptoms of Driving Anxiety?
You may experience symptoms of driving anxiety before, during or after your drive.
For some people, it’s the anticipation that causes the most stress. Knowing you have to get behind the wheel can be overwhelming. Other times, you might feel an intense amount of fear while on the road.
Some symptoms of driving anxiety may include:
- Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.
- Feeling like you’re going to pass out or throw up.
- Trembling, sweating, and excessive blinking.
- A sense of panic, making it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand.
- A racing mind and imagery of negative outcomes.
- Recall of a bad car accident from the past.
- Paranoia and fear while on the road
While these symptoms are quite unpleasant, keep in mind that they are a very natural way in which your body and mind are protecting you and preparing you for this task. With a little affirmation work and self-coaching, you can negotiate with these feelings and have a calmer, safer driving experience over time.
How Do I Stop Anxiety When Driving?
There’s a wide range of things you can do to help reduce your anxiety while driving. Here are some helpful reframes and actions you can take to encourage a more pleasant driving experience:
Find Your Happy Place
Find a happy place or memory that makes you feel relaxed and content. Pull up some imagery in your mind’s eye, whether it be a secret place from your past or something as simple as lying on the beach watching the clouds float by. A happy place will make driving more enjoyable and can even help to decrease any feelings of anxiety related to being behind the wheel.
Make Driving a Game
Cars are big and powerful machines, but they can also be fun! Try turning your drive into a game to take the pressure off. For example, tell yourself that you’re going to see how many red cars you can spot. Or say that for every yellow car, you’ll do some jumping jacks or some push-ups when you get home. Either way, turning driving into a game will take your mind off of any fears and help make driving more enjoyable overall.
Listen to Relaxing Music or Positive Podcasts
Listening to relaxing music can be very helpful when it comes to reducing anxiety behind the wheel. Not only does this help pass time on long drives, but it can also reduce feelings of stress and actually make you feel more relaxed overall. Pick out some calming tunes to listen to the next time you’re on a road trip or commuting home from work.
Clean Your Car and Add a Relaxing Scent
A clean car is a more pleasant place to be, and it can help you feel calmer while driving. Plus, adding a few scents around your vehicle may also have a calming effect that will help reduce any feelings of anxiety behind the wheel. Consider spraying some lavender oil in the air for a refreshing and relaxing experience.
15 Positive Affirmations for Driving Anxiety
Using positive affirmations is an excellent way to combat driving anxiety and feel more confident on the road! Below are 15 of our favorites, as well as some tips that will help you use them most effectively:
1. I am in flow with traffic patterns.
2. I can take action in any situation without needing to know all the possible outcomes or consequences beforehand.
3. Traffic conditions are temporary, not permanent or everlasting.
4. The universe wants me to be safe, so it created traffic lights for me to follow.
5. My heart is always connected with loved ones, no matter what happens on the road ahead.
6. Everything is always happening for a specific reason that can be uncovered through self-inquiry and reflection.
7. As long as I focus on the road, then everything else will follow suit.
8. I trust others on the road.
9. I can trust my observations to keep me safe.
10. I focus on deep restorative breaths.
11. I am excited about reaching my next destination.
12. I am a skilled, patient, and confident driver.
13. I enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds on the road.
14. My driving improves every day.
15. I am grateful for the privilege of getting to drive a car to my destination.
As you can see, there are a number of different affirmations related to driving. Some will resonate with you more than others depending on your specific situation and beliefs surrounding what it means to be a good driver. That’s okay!
Pick the ones that help reduce anxiety while driving for yourself or create a custom affirmation using a few from this list.
How To Use Positive Driving Affirmations
Since you will be driving, it will be important to practice and even memorize your chosen affirmations before getting on the road.
You can write one or two on post-it notes and place them on your car’s dashboard if you have trouble with remembering them or need a reminder.
When you’re starting to feel anxious and experience negative thoughts entering your mind, notice this moment, pause, and think of one of your affirmations.
Repeat the affirmation slowly and intentionally out loud or in your mind. Picture the affirmation as being true and affecting your driving in a positive way.
Take some deep breaths, relax your muscles, and focus on the moment at hand while continuing to repeat your chosen affirmation.
Continue this practice until you’ve felt the anxiety lessen. Over several weeks, if the affirmation gives you complete relaxation and immediately makes you feel safe in the car, it may be time to choose a new affirmation to practice while driving.
Final Thoughts
There are few things more anxiety-inducing than driving. With the constant threat of traffic, accidents, and other motorists acting erratically on the road, it’s easy to see why many people feel like they’re in danger while behind the wheel.
But with the right affirmations, you can combat driving anxiety and even learn how to enjoy your commute. Affirmations work by reprogramming your subconscious mind and teaching it how to think, feel, and behave in a certain way.
So even if you don’t believe the affirmation the first time around, practice it while driving and try to make it a habit. Doing so will help you believe in what you’re saying, which will make it easier to put into practice while you’re on the road.