I don't think about the drive until I go, then I look ahead to the destination and think about all the pleasant things that will happen when I arrive. If I'm driving, I listen to music and sing. If I'm a passenger, I bring something to read, or talk to my parents or friends on my trac phone if we're stuck in traffic. More so to pass the time and reduce stress which lessens or eliminates anxiety. When I start getting upset about traffic and delays, that's when anxiety gets a foothold. It was very stressful driving with my parents, as a child. My Mom was micro managing my Dad's driving and it was like a stress fest the whole trip. I think doing things to prevent you from getting upset, like box breathing and relaxing your body instead of being tense, diffuses the situation. I also tell myself that I'm right where I'm supposed to be and if there is a delay, there's a reason. Maybe I'm avoiding a traffic accident or the timing has to be right to run into a friend. So, I take delays with, "there's always a reason", attitude and it makes the trip a lot better.
I do the same. Days are so unpredictable for me that if I do go to town I like to get as much done as I can. I stock pile too so I'm never forced to go.
Ashley, I never prepare other than to make sure I have everything I need the day before. Otherwise I treat it like just another day. Look around, enjoy the trip and go home. Worrying for days doesn't help.
Because traffic times can be interrupted or unpredictable, I make it a habit to have a couple of errands when I go out, so I can add one or two. An example is that I have to go to the doc weekly, out of town, so I gas up outside his office complex. If I don't have time to gas up, that errand can be done after the appointment.
I'm on time though, and there's no extra stress. Gassing up isn't a priority, since I'm just topping up the tank, cleaning the windshields. Maybe some day, I'll even treat myself to a wash. There's also a huge shopping mall, so I can add going to the post office, or picking up something at that mall.
The important journey, and appointment time is met, with flexibility and no pressure.
Are you often caught in traffic? On commutes that are long? Are you running lots of errands?
Your anxiety can high during these expected situations. Why not plan for them? If you know you will be going on a trip or long commute, get active and prepare.
Use the weekend to challenge those thoughts and use the exposure therapy to help you progress through each situation.
Share with us what you have done to help you prepare for these trips.
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