4 Ways Driving Can Reduce Your Stress Levels

There are times when our thoughts are in disarray, emotions flared up, and our thinking process is malfunctioning, all of which make functioning logically and rationally a bit difficult. In cases like these, we need a little timeout to “clear the lines” and defragment our mind. People like going for a run, a bike ride, or on a hike to clear their thoughts and cool down, but as it turns out, your car also has the potential to function as a tool for de-stressing. Although it might seem counterintuitive that driving can have a therapeutic effect, getting behind the wheel also has positive benefits. Read on to discover the ways in which going for a drive can help you de-stress.

1. Mindfulness

Photo by Jan Kronies on Unsplash

One of the most important ways in which driving can reduce your stress levels is what your mind can do in the background while you focus on the road. First of all, with your attention on the road, you give yourself a chance to distract yourself from whatever is on your mind. While you focus on something else, your subconscious will work on whatever problem it is you are having. After some time elapses, you will have arrived at a possible solution or conclusion, or you will have diminished the significance of your issues and stressors altogether.

You can also take advantage of driving by contemplating on something that has been on the back of your mind and causing you mild stress. Driving has almost no endpoint and may not need a destination, thus providing you with plenty of time to channel your thoughts on a particular issue causing you mental discomfort.

Sometimes you might be stressed because of a work- or school-related problem to which you have not found the answer. Perhaps you have not had much time to be alone with your thoughts to find an answer to your questions. Driving around by yourself will provide the right environment to think without any distractions and to have as much of an introspective problem-solving approach as possible.

Professor of sociology at New York University, Eric Klinenberg, Ph.D., suggests that “Going out for a drive lets us reflect and come back with greater insights,” adding that “There’s something about being in the driver’s seat — with the sense of control it affords — that lets you think productively and solve problems.”

Finally, it is recommended that cruising at a moderate speed of 20 to 30 mph is best to help problem-solve, being that it creates a more relaxing tempo while driving in a relaxed fashion.

Photo by Jan Kronies on Unsplash

2. Change of Scenery

Photo by Sébastien Marchand on Unsplash

Going for a drive can also take you places that can help you center yourself, clear your mind, and regain focus. If you live in a sparsely populated city or town, driving around to enjoy the surrounding nature can be soothing. Otherwise, take a drive out to the outskirts of your city and distract yourself with beautiful sceneries that nature has provided us with. Sometimes, looking at the grandeur of geographical surroundings can make your problems seem insignificant or greatly diminish their negative effect on your nerves.

Because we tend to associate stress with certain surroundings where we spend a lot of time, such as the office or home, it is imperative to distance ourselves from them once in a while. Similar to traveling, a drive around or out of town is like a little vacation.

Photo by Sébastien Marchand on Unsplash

3. Gadget-Free Time

Unfortunately, we live in a very stressful time with many technological advances proving to be a double-edged sword that appears to be the bane of our lives on occasion. Constant app notifications on your cellphones, messages, emails, and pressures to respond to everyone can have a toxic effect on your physical and emotional states, and you might even succumb to technological burnout. Unplugging from social media will also save you from all sorts of negative effects on your mental health. That being said, taking the time to routinely drive around once in a while is not a bad idea. You will leave technology behind at home and won’t be forced to constantly check your phone while driving. Keep your phone on you but preferably turn it off or stow it away somewhere. Take this time to focus on yourself and the sights and sounds around you, and forget everything else for a short while.

4. Activities

Driving around in your car also provides you with the opportunity to take part in de-stressing activities. You can always listen to whatever style of music best works with your current mood, anywhere from the relaxing and refined sounds of classical music to the heart-pounding and head-banging blasts of heavy metal. Focus, relax, and contemplate or release pent-up energy in the comfort of your own car, and crank up the music as loud as you like without bothering anyone at home or your neighbors.

Being alone in your car and singing to your favorite songs can also help release negative energy, akin to shouting when you feel very upset or irritated. Also, singing in the car means that you won’t be judged for your vocal skills. Additionally, you can also get your mind off your personal issues by listening to an audiobook you have been putting off for a while, a podcast, a radio show, or even learning a new language.

When you are feeling stressed out, you might typically do something physical, like go for a run, a walk, or on a bike ride, but you can also achieve a similar effect by simply going for a ride in your car around town or even venturing out. Doing this will help you calm down, refocus, and facilitate problem-solving, all the while reducing your stress levels. We at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth hope that you have found this list of ways that driving can lower your stress levels to be of benefit. Did we miss any other useful ideas? Let us know and we will be happy to add them to this list.