5 tips to manage anxiety from a car breaking down? 

This blog answers: What are some tips to manage anxiety from a car breaking down? What are the therapy options for anxiety related to a car breakdown?

What are some tips to manage anxiety from a car breaking down? 

Some tips to manage anxiety from a car breaking down are as follows: 

Know what caused your fear about your automobile breaking down 

Knowing what is causing anxiety about a car breakdown is the most effective method to deal with it. The most critical part is figuring out what exactly makes you anxious when you think about your car breaking down. 

Is it the state of your vehicle? 

Is it because of the journey you’re on? 

Or is it something that comes to mind while driving?

If you can figure out what influences your regular mood when driving, you can better prepare yourself for those times when anxiety strikes.

Deep breathing should be practiced

Anxiety is fought through deep breathing. It relieves anxiety and provides a great deal of comfort to the individual who is suffering from it. If you’re having a panic attack while driving and visions of your automobile breaking down are racing through your mind, compress your stomach and take a deep breath. 

Inhale slowly through your nose, concentrating solely on delivering the air to your lungs. Allow your tummy to expand as the air you drew in expands.

Allow a brief pause before slowly exhaling all of the air from your body through your mouth or nose. As you exhale, allow your body to relax. Repeat the procedure as many times as needed to restore a sense of calm.

Muscle relaxation that gets better over time

You can always try progressive muscle relaxation techniques if deep breathing and a stressful driving environment don’t seem to work for you. This procedure does not necessitate a lot of physical work and may be done while driving. 

However, it is best to do it while you are not concentrating on the road. The ideal way to accomplish it is to pull over for a few minutes, complete the exercise, and then get back behind the wheel.

This technique needs you to tighten and relax your body’s muscular groups in order to become conscious of your hold and relieve tension. To do so, clench your fist for 7 to 10 seconds before releasing it for 15 seconds. 

Focus on how to prevent your car from breaking down

Another way to deal with your anxiety about a car breakdown is by preventing the breakdown in the first place. To do so: 

Maintaining your vehicle on a regular basis

When you buy a car, it comes with a manual that outlines all of the vehicle’s features. Typically, the maintenance schedule for your vehicle is specified in the owner’s manual. If you believe your car requires maintenance, you do not have to precisely stick to it.

If you see the first symptom of something unusual happening to or within your car, you should take it to the technician for a checkup. To discover if your car is working at its best, see your mechanic about the proper frequency of maintenance. You’ll be able to spot possible problems with your car before they become bigger and more troublesome.

The battery in your car requires repair too

Many people believe that checking the battery strength of your vehicle is difficult and that it can only be done by a mechanic with special tools. While this is largely accurate, there are a few ways to verify the status of your battery. 

The battery strength can be found on your car’s display. Some automobile models have a feature that allows you to check whether the battery level is high or low. You’ll need to read your car’s manual attentively to figure out where to look for this option, and once you do, you may check the levels as needed.

Take a look at the current state of the fan belt.

Any vehicle’s fan belt should last between 60,000 and 90,000 miles on average. Your automobile will stop moving if they snap, and you will be stuck where you are. 

Many mechanics and car experts advocate checking your vehicle’s fan belt every 6 months or as frequently as possible. It’s just as crucial as changing your car’s oil. 

If you drive your car a lot, the recommended frequency of a fan belt inspection rises automatically.

What are the therapy options for anxiety related to a car breakdown?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps an individual to control their anxiety by using strategies like relaxation and breathing. It works on the principles of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is a kind of therapy in which an individual is exposed to a particular stimulus that they usually fear or are anxious about in a graded order.

As and when the individual gets comfortable with the situation or stimulus introduced or exposed to them with each session, individuals get more comfortable with a real-life situation that might have otherwise been a source for triggering anxiety.

Group therapy

 

It is based on the principle that when an individual interacts with other people who are suffering from the same fears they might not feel left alone or isolated. Group therapy usually involves a group of individuals who are experiencing similar symptoms and problems.

Medication

Anxiety can also be treated with the help of medication prescribed by a health care professional.

Though medication alone cannot help in reducing persistent anxiety it can help in restoring a sense of control and bring temporary relief. 

Online therapy  

In cases where reaching out physically to a professional is impossible or discomforting an individual can opt to seek help through the online medium. 

In this, the therapy sessions are carried out one-to-one over a video or audio call. Some individuals also prefer interacting with the therapist through text as well due to various reasons. One of the most common is the fear of being judged by the therapist or some personal hesitation. 

Online therapy can help individuals to regulate some aspects of their anxiety that aids individuals in carrying out a stress-free life over time

Conclusion

Any form of anxiety while driving is hazardous to your health. It has complete power over you and prohibits you from driving freely. When your discomfort worsens, your anxiety may impair your ability to concentrate, putting you at danger of a car accident. 

As a result, the greatest method to deal with worry is to stare it down and disarm it.

While the possibility of your car breaking down in the middle of the road exists, it occurs infrequently. 

The most important thing to remember is that this type of worry is caused by negative thoughts in your head that have no substance or foundation. They well up of their own accord, take over your mind and render it incapable of accomplishing anything else. 

Anxiety, as terrifying as it may sound, is like a cloud of smoke. It will clear up if you blow hard enough at it.

Frequently asked questions: What are some tips to manage anxiety from a car breaking down? 

How to Love Your High Mileage Car and Stop Worrying About It?

Some ways to stop worrying about your car are:

• Maintain a regular schedule.
• Different services should be performed at particular intervals according to the owner’s manual.
• Make sure your tires are in good shape regularly.
• Frequently change the oil
• It should be cleaned on a regular basis.
• Drive with caution.

What are the signs that your car is ready to break down?

• The tread on your tyres has worn out
• Your oil is nearly depleted
• Your brakes appear unusual.
• The check engine light has been illuminated.

Citations 

Anxiety About Car Breaking Down: How to Overcome It