While it is true that you can overcome driving fear only by facing it, you need to take it step by step to avoid worsening your fear. One more incident that scares your wits out will put an end to your driving aspirations forever. Avoid the following most common mistakes.
First Mistake: Testing Your Progress Instead of Practicing: If you practice, you will safely reach your goal of eliminating driving phobia. If you test your progress without going through the drills, you might not. Resist the urge to test yourself on the fast lane.
Testing could be counterproductive because it causes stress and anxiety. Chances of failure are high and that will only make your driving phobia worse. Practice your way up to avoid any chance of failure.
Second Mistake: Practicing in Heavy Traffic: Even moderate traffic can be intimidating for many people. If you practice in traffic, chances are you will retreat into your phobia because of stress, anxiety or even a panic attack. Your time will come, but not now.
Always practice when there is nobody on the road. Find out a good place and a good time when there are least number of motorists on the road. Practice early morning or late evening if you live in an area where the flow of traffic is constant throughout the day.
Third Mistake: Not Relaxing Physically: You cannot hope to relax mentally while your body is tensed up. A relaxed body almost certainly ensures a relaxed mind. As soon as you feel some amount of driving anxiety creeping in, consciously relax parts of your body one at a time.
Relaxation techniques are to be applied preventatively. Do not wait until it is too late. Relax at every traffic signal and even as you drive to avoid a panic or anxiety attack. Practice relaxation techniques often even at home to gain expertise over them for quick results.
Take care and avoid these mistakes and you shall well be on the way to freedom from driving fear. Congratulate yourself after every practice session so that the subconscious mind feels confident and happy about your driving skills. This will put you in a positive cycle that will accelerate your success. - 31857
First Mistake: Testing Your Progress Instead of Practicing: If you practice, you will safely reach your goal of eliminating driving phobia. If you test your progress without going through the drills, you might not. Resist the urge to test yourself on the fast lane.
Testing could be counterproductive because it causes stress and anxiety. Chances of failure are high and that will only make your driving phobia worse. Practice your way up to avoid any chance of failure.
Second Mistake: Practicing in Heavy Traffic: Even moderate traffic can be intimidating for many people. If you practice in traffic, chances are you will retreat into your phobia because of stress, anxiety or even a panic attack. Your time will come, but not now.
Always practice when there is nobody on the road. Find out a good place and a good time when there are least number of motorists on the road. Practice early morning or late evening if you live in an area where the flow of traffic is constant throughout the day.
Third Mistake: Not Relaxing Physically: You cannot hope to relax mentally while your body is tensed up. A relaxed body almost certainly ensures a relaxed mind. As soon as you feel some amount of driving anxiety creeping in, consciously relax parts of your body one at a time.
Relaxation techniques are to be applied preventatively. Do not wait until it is too late. Relax at every traffic signal and even as you drive to avoid a panic or anxiety attack. Practice relaxation techniques often even at home to gain expertise over them for quick results.
Take care and avoid these mistakes and you shall well be on the way to freedom from driving fear. Congratulate yourself after every practice session so that the subconscious mind feels confident and happy about your driving skills. This will put you in a positive cycle that will accelerate your success. - 31857
About the Author:
To find out more about how to overcome fear of driving, check out Cecil Kelly's articles on driving anxiety on his website.
