How to Overcome Driving Anxiety and Travel Stress

After two years of navigating the pandemic, stress and anxiety might feel like just a part of life. But feeling anxious about everyday activities like leaving the house, commuting through heavy traffic or driving in certain conditions doesn’t have to dictate your daily habits.

Driving anxiety can make life difficult at the best of times and avoiding stress surrounding air travel could keep you from going to places you want to go. But if you struggle with travel anxieties, you’re not alone.

We unpack several causes and types of anxiety and how to overcome driving anxiety and fear of flying.

Anxiety 101

Nearly 20% of American adults live with an anxiety disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This mental health condition has many possible symptoms, including:

• Persistent feelings of dread.
• Difficulty relaxing.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Being jumpy or easily startled.
• Difficulty controlling worries or nervousness.

Of course, you can experience travel or driving anxiety even if you don’t have an anxiety disorder. Experts say, what sets the condition apart is persistent, intrusive worry or discomfort — both at home and on the road.

How Different Types of Anxiety Affect Travel

Anxiety comes in many forms. Each type might affect how you feel about driving differently.

Consider these possible scenarios.

• With generalized anxiety disorder, you might feel a vague jitteriness or dread about travel. This could be exacerbated by fear of the unknown (exploring a new town), memories of a negative experience (a car accident), or even hearing about someone else’s negative experience in the news.
• With panic disorder, you might avoid travel because of fear that dangerous driving conditions, airplane turbulence or being trapped in a crowded space will trigger an attack.
• With phobia-related anxiety, you might have an irrational fear of specific travel situations, such as heights, waterways, flying, driving over a bridge or going through a tunnel.

The Link Between Travel and Anxiety

Again, many people experience fear of flying or driving even if they don’t have an anxiety disorder. In at least one researcher’s opinion, fear of the unknown is the most basic human fear. What represents the unknown more than leaving the comfort of home?

So, if the thought of flying or driving in unfamiliar territory makes you feel more than a little jittery, it’s not uncommon. The good news is you can manage these fears.

How to Overcome Driving Anxiety

Here are a few tips on how to get over driving anxiety.

Stay Local

Unlike flying, driving puts you in control. Start tackling your fear by taking very short drives in an area familiar to you. Perhaps you can drive through your neighborhood for a few days before venturing into the community. Or maybe you can ask a friend to ride with you so that you can pull over and switch seats once you’ve had enough.

De-Stress Before You Drive

A deep fear of driving can’t be quashed by relaxation alone, but it can help alleviate some anxiety. There are many ways to relieve tension and get as chill as possible before getting behind the wheel.

• Try meditating.
• Connect with a supportive friend or partner.
• Breathe deeply.
• Spend time in
• Practice self-care with a spa day or yoga class.

Play Driving Video Games

Research suggests that playing video games (Mario Kart, anyone?) might improve your control and reaction time behind the wheel.

The simulation could also help you work through your fears. Though video games are not created to help players get over driving phobias, playing Need for Speed might feel a bit like DIY exposure therapy – a way to confront your fears head on.

Talk to a Therapist

Because most of us use cars more often than planes, driving anxiety can be even more debilitating than flight phobia or general travel anxiety.

If your fear of getting behind the wheel affects daily life, seek help from a mental health professional. A local mental health organization can help you find a therapist trained in phobia or anxiety treatment.

How to Overcome Fear of Flying

There’s no quick fix for flying anxiety, but there are steps you can take to manage the issue.

Identify Your Triggers

The first step to getting over a general fear of flying is pinpointing your triggers. What is it about flying that makes you break out in a sweat? Fearful fliers might worry about turbulence, the strange sensations of takeoff or the impact of landing.

Learn as Much as You Can

A cognitive-behavioral therapist might help you overcome flight phobia by reinforcing the idea that airplanes are safe. Knowledge is power. You can help minimize the fear of the unknown and reassure your brain that flying is safe by arming yourself with as much information as possible about the plane, its safety features and upcoming weather patterns.

Let’s take turbulence, for instance. It might help to understand that it’s caused by changing air currents and it’s a bit like driving on a bumpy road. In other words, don’t sweat it.

Try Virtual Reality

Research has shown that exposing yourself to flight through virtual reality programs is effective at helping participants get over flying. With virtual reality, you can experience a flight simulation without ever leaving the ground.

Soothe Yourself With Distractions

If you experience more mid-flight anxiety than pre-flight anxiety, distracting yourself with a good book, funny movie or soothing music might help. The more you can keep yourself from obsessing over your fears, the better.

Talk to a Pro

If flight phobia keeps you from enjoying life with family and friends, consider getting professional help. A therapist can lead you through cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy or whatever else you need to conquer your fear for good.

This article is for informational purposes. If you are struggling with anxiety, please consult with a mental health professional to find a solution that works best for you.

Have you overcome a fear of driving or flying? What worked for you? Share in the comments below.