Do you get stressed when you’re behind the wheel?
Here are our top tips on how you can stay stress-free when you’re on the road:
1. Ask yourself whether you really have to drive
If you ask yourself this question you may find that the answer is no. Maybe there is some alternative transport that could get you to the shops. Think about walking or taking the bus or the train. If you’ve had some bad experiences in the past with bad traffic or had road rage at some point, you might feel a sense of relief by not driving and find that all that tension disappears (until the next time you get in the car).
2. Allow plenty of time for your journey
If you don’t want to be late then it’s probably best that you set off early just in case there are any delays or you get lost. Leaving earlier than you need to will also help to alleviate any pressure of arriving late. It might be an idea to think of an alternative route too just in case.
3. Stay alert, stay alive
Concentration is key. One tiny mistake on the road can be vital. We all know how tempting it is to have a quick look at our phone while we’re driving but taking our eyes off the road, even if it’s just for a second, could be life-changing.
4. Planning is key
Can you see that traffic jam ahead? You should always be looking further down the road and planning ahead as to what your next move is going to be. Things can happen quickly on the road and before you know it things could take a drastic turn for the worse. It’s generally other drivers that can be a hazard so just be vigilant. And try not to panic if you’re hit with any sudden surprises.
5. Stay in tune
This may not work for everybody, but for some of us, the best way to keep our stress levels to a minimum is to sing our favourite song. Listening to music while driving can be distracting for some people but for others, it can work as a treat for helping with their mood and stress levels. Whether it’s a bit of techno or Classic FM, do whatever works for you.
6. Sit up straight
Are you comfortable? If your seat isn’t adjusted properly or you find yourself slouching then this could influence your stress levels. It’s best to be as comfortable as possible when you’re behind the wheel as this will influence your driving. Posture is everything, so why not try lifting your neck up and straightening your back as not only is this a great driving position, but your body will also thank you in the long run.
7. Steer away from aggressive drivers
If you drive quite often then it’s quite easy to pick up on other drivers’ behaviour. If you feel someone is driving quite erratically and you feel like they are threatening, just keep your distance. There’s no need to be reckless on the road so if you come across someone who’s rather uptight and you find this intimidating, then just try and steer clear.
8. Take a break
You don’t want to get yourself all hot and flustered behind the wheel. So if you find yourself getting road rage, find a safe place to stop and have a break. This should help you take your mind off it and will give you time to have a minute before you think about getting back on the road.
Do you find yourself getting stressed behind the wheel on a regular basis? If stress is taking over your driving and you’ve just not got the patience for it anymore, then you might just want to sell your car and be done with it. That’s where we can help you out. Just head over to the homepage and enter your reg number to see how much your car is worth.
