One of the resources that I like to offer my students that I feel may benefit is FREE access to the fantastic Nervous Drivers Calming Kit via The Confident Drivers website:
I think most of us experience a little stress and anxiety in our lives and driving is no different.
The kit allows the student to identify certain feelings that may arise whether that may be physical or in the mind. From there a toolbox of resources allows the individual to pick and chose the options that work best for them.
Relaxation and breathing techniques are methods used to reduce stress and promote a sense of clam. The techniques involve various methods of deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and mindfulness.
Deep breathing is a simple technique that can be practised anywhere at any time. It involves taking deep, slow breaths through the nose, filling the lungs completely, and exhaling slowly through the mouth. This technique helps to slow down the heart rate, calm the mind, and reduce feelings of anxiety and tension.
Muscle relaxation techniques involve tensing and then releasing different muscle groups, individuals can become more aware of their physical sensations. This can help to release tension and promote a sense of relaxation.
Mindfulness techniques involve focusing on the present moment and becoming more aware of one’s thoughts and feelings. This can be done through meditation or simply taking a few minutes to focus on breathing and becoming aware of one’s surroundings. By focusing on the present moment and becoming more mindful, individuals can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
Overall, relation and breathing techniques can be helpful for reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving overall wellbeing. They are simple and easy to practise, and can be incorporated into daily routines to help manage stress and promote a sense of calm.
Self talk is a powerful tool that can be used to help individuals improve their driving skills and confidence on the road. Self-talk involves the use of positive affirmations, reminders, and encouragement to help individuals overcome negative thoughts and emotions related to driving.
For example, an individual may use positive self talk to help overcome anxiety or nervousness while driving. They may repeat to themselves phrases such as “I am a safe and confident driver” or “I am in control of my vehicle and my emotions”. By repeating these positive affirmations, the individual can shift their focus away from the negative, and towards a more positive and confident mindset.
Self-talk can also be used to help individuals stay focused and alert while driving. For example, an individual may remind themselves to stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as mobile phones or other passengers in the vehicle.
They may also use reminders to check their mirrors, use turn signals, and follow other safe driving practises.
Imagery can also be a powerful tool to help improve driving skills and confidence. Imagery involves creating mental images or pictures in the mind to stimulate a specific situation or scenario. By using imagery, individuals can practise and prepare for challenging driving situations, and improve their ability to react to potential hazards on the road.
For example, an individual who experiences anxiety while driving on motorways may use imagery to practise driving on the motorway in a safe and controlled environment. They may close their eyes and visualise themselves driving on the motorway, focusing on their breathing and the feeling of the steering wheel in their hands.
By practising this imagery regularly, the individual can become more comfortable and confident with their motorway driving, which can help reduce their anxiety in real-life situations.
Imagery can also be used to improve reaction times and decision making while driving. For example, an individual may use imagery to practise responding to unexpected hazards on the road, such as a pedestrian crossing the street or a car suddenly swerving in front of them. By visualising these scenarios and practising their responses, the individual can improve their ability to read quickly make safe driving decisions in real-life situations.
Tapping, or Emotional Freedom techniques (EFT), is a form of therapy that involves tapping on specific points of the body while focusing on negative emotions or feelings. While there is limited research on the use of tapping specifically for driving, it may be helpful for certain individuals who experience anxiety or other issues related to driving.
Tapping can be used to address a variety of issues that may impact driving, such as anxiety, fear, or lack of confidence. During a tapping session, the individual taps on specific points on the body while focusing on negative emotions or feelings related to driving. This tapping is believed to release negative emotions and a promote a sense of clam and relaxation.
For example, an individual may use tapping to help overcome their fear of driving on motorways or in heavy traffic. They may tap on specific points while focusing on their fear of anxiety relating to these situations.
This tapping may help release negative emotions and promote a sense of calm and relaxation, allowing the individual to feel more confident and relaxed while driving in these situations.
It is obviously important for individuals to continue practicing safe driving habits and following the rules of the road, even with the help of tapping or other forms of therapy.
Hypnotherapy can be used to help individuals overcome anxiety, phobias and other psychological barriers that may be hindering their ability to drive safely. For example, if someone has a fear of driving or has experienced a traumatic event while driving, hypnotherapy can be used to help them relax and overcome their fears.
During a hypnotherapy session, the individual is placed in a relaxed state of mind, and the therapist may use imagery, guided visualisation, and suggestion to help them overcome their fears and build confidence. The therapist may also help the individual identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to their anxiety or phobia.
Hypnotherapy can also be used to help individuals improve their focus and concentration while driving. For example, if someone has a tendency to become distracted while driving, hypnotherapy can be used to help them stay focused on the road and maintain their attention on the task in hand.
This is just a taste of the information that you can find on The Confident Drivers website.
There is lots of free content including The Driving Confidence Podcast and Blog.