Many people suffer from driving anxiety. Whether it is driving across large bridges or around a semi trucks, it seems like this condition could strike at any time.

Unfortunately, driving anxiety can affect your social life as well. It can force you to choose to stay at home when you would rather want to travel and see your friends and relatives.

So if driving anxiety is something that you are suffering from, here are five things you can do to help relieve some of the stress that you might be experiencing.

1. Avoid busy roads

Many people find that they can decrease anxiety levels if they travel to and from work during non-peak hours. This might mean that you have to leave for work a half hour early in order to avoid any panic attacks.
2. Avoid talk radio

In the car try and listen to music that is peaceful. Avoid any radio stations that could possibly add to your stress or anxiety level.

3. Keep a narrow focus

Many people seem to get stressed out by a staring a long ways down the road. Just focus on the road that is directly in front of you. This can help you maintain your focus and decrease anxiety levels.

4. Don't drink coffee

While many people feel that they need coffee to drive better, it is also one of the biggest causes of anxiety attacks. Remember caffeine stays in your system for many hours.

5. Have a light snack

It's best to have something light in your stomach before driving. Some people choose not to eat before driving because of fear of an anxiety attack but an empty stomach can make it worse.

Sometimes in severe cases of driving anxiety it might be best to look for different transportation sources. These could include taking the subway to work or even asking a friend for a ride.

One way to try and get over your anxiety is to drive on freeways or highways on the weekends when they're less busy so you'll get used to driving on them without being anxious. James McHale