Light traffic and excellent weather conditions are mostly considered the main factors of a stress-free driving experience. Unfortunately, researchers have found that even in the most ideal driving conditions, daily driving is stressful for many people. Driving requires total concentration and calmness, which is why it’s important to control your emotions whenever you hit the road.
The last thing you want is for stress to dictate how you drive, as that affects your concentration and ability to focus, putting you at a bigger risk of an accident. If you’re usually overwhelmed when driving, the following tips can help you stay calm behind the wheel.
Adjust your driving position
Yes, it sounds pretty simple, but adjusting your driving position can do wonders for your driving experience. It keeps your body loose and relaxed, helping you ward off stress even during a lengthy commute. Ideally, your body posture should allow your elbow to bend at a 45-degree angle when handling your steering wheel. Anything too acute means you’re too close to the wheel, and a wider angle could mean you’re too far.
So, always adjust your driving position to feel more comfortable. If you find yourself holding on to the steering wheel too tightly, relax your fingers and hands a little. Also, sitting up may keep you alert, but it could also stress you out quickly. So, ensure you’re relaxed in your seat and try leaning back a little. Adjust your car seat to allow you to lean back without drifting too far from your steering wheel.
Listen to your favorite music
Good music is soothing, especially when on the road. Some drivers have go-to music and playlists whenever they’re behind the wheel, especially during long commutes. Also, frustrating situations like heavy traffic and bad weather can bring the worse out of most drivers. But research shows that listening to good music can calm you down even in such situations. Of course, ‘good music’ is relative and depends on what you love grooving to. But the most important thing is that it will help lower your blood pressure, making your driving experience a lot more fun and less stressful.
Consider being chauffeured around once in a while
Sometimes, the thought of driving itself can stress you out before you take the wheel. In such cases, it’s best not to, as you’ll be in the wrong emotional and mental state. Driving in such a state will affect your judgment and sense of reasoning, making you easily irritated and putting you at a higher risk of being involved in road rage. You’ll also be more likely to lose your concentration and become a danger to other motorists.
So, if you don’t feel like driving, consider an alternative. Sometimes, it can help your mental health to be chauffeured around once in a while. For example, a luxury car service can chauffeur you to your destination in grand style. You can also consider less grandeur alternatives like ride-hailing apps and regular cab services. Hoping on a train or a bus is also another great alternative.
Pull over and relax
Sometimes, the most effective thing you can do when stressed is to pull your car over and relax for a few minutes. This point is particularly helpful if you’ve tried all other strategies to relax but failed. Maybe you’re stressed out because you’re just tired. Perhaps you’ve been on the road for too long, and your limbs and back need a little stretching. Or maybe you’re driving hungry, and it’s affecting your mood. Regardless of the source of your stress, it helps to just pull over to someplace safe and relax for a while, even if you’re behind schedule. It’s better to be late than to be involved in an accident due to stress. You can find a place to grab a quick meal (if you’re hungry) or walk around for a few minutes.
Be proactive with stress management at home
What you do or how you manage stress at home can directly impact how you handle your daily commute. Leaving work or home tired, stressed, and in a bad mood can make you a danger (to yourself and others) on the road. So, be more proactive about how you deal with stress before driving. For example, when at home, make it a point to get enough sleep and eat well to avoid driving when tired or hungry. Also, be mindful of the things that stress you out at work and find ways to avoid them. Consider grabbing a snack or chatting heartily with a colleague to help ease your stress after work before driving.
Plan your route
Determine your driving stressors and plan for them before you hit the road. For example, if getting caught up in heavy traffic leaves you frustrated, plan your alternative routes before you get in the car. It would also help if you set off at least an hour earlier than you normally do if that helps you avoid traffic. If getting caught up in heavy traffic is inevitable, think of things you can do to keep your mind occupied and avoid wasting time while stuck in traffic. For example, you can record your favorite podcasts or other shows and watch them. You can also make important phone calls, send text messages, reply to emails, meditate, or learn a new language on your phone. You’ll surprised by how many things you can get done before you reach your destination when caught up in heavy traffic.
Keep your kids occupied
Few things can be more stressful than dealing with bored and whining kids. Start planning on how to keep your little ones occupied during the drive so they don’t work your last nerves. Start by assembling enough books, snacks, games, and anything else that will keep them busy during the trip. Ensure that such things are constantly available in your vehicle if you drive around with kids daily. Electronic hand-held games are usually the most effective in such cases, but you can also give your kids assignments to complete in the car. For example, they can read their favorite books or even do their homework when driving home from school.
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