Driving
When I was in high school, I used to go on drives to clear my head when I was stressed about school, had an argument with a family member, etc. Besides getting to know my city a little better, I used driving as a sort of coping mechanism. I was able to get out of the house for a little bit, be completely by myself, and either pour my heart out in song or talk myself through some things. I had a friend where this is all we would do together. We’d put on some music, talk, and drive for at least an hour.
Driving sounds like an odd coping mechanism right? Driving can actually be pretty stressful at times. However, I think that more depends on your state of mind. Yes, there are the crazy drivers who don’t care about others on the road, but our general “road rage” depends more on ourselves. Road rage comes when we have somewhere to be, are running behind, are stressed out about something else, etc. When I am driving with no intended final destination by any time, I’m not stressed out, and driving can actually be relaxing.
An activity that forces you to think about something else besides whatever is worrying you is helpful. Distraction (to an extent) is a positive way to cope with something. I’m not talking about avoiding your problems and never working things out. When you’re not taking care of problems, you’re just prolonging anxiety and issues. Distraction is NOT healthy in this way. However, sometimes, we just need to clear our heads. For example, last year I was applying to graduate school, involved in several clubs and extracurriculars, working, and a full time student. I needed ways to just relax and let the anxiety out during that time. Driving is one way to do this. It gives me the opportunity to focus on something else. When your brain is in hyperdrive, it needs a break! Distraction can help.
Now, there are plenty of ways to distract, but I’m writing about driving today. Get in your car and plan for a 30-minute drive. Put on some good songs or a podcast (not too loud that you can’t hear the surrounding traffic). Plan a route, or don’t! Most of the time, I just started driving. I’d end up clear out Southwest of town, then go up Northeast, and then wind up back home. Roll your window down if the weather is nice enough for it. Focus on the road and your background music or podcast. This is YOUR time. Try not to think about whatever has been driving you up the wall all day. Maybe even stop for some ice cream during your drive. Treat yourself to a brain break. You deserve it.
Challenges/Points:
Distraction techniques like driving can sometimes be helpful coping mechanisms.
Distraction is unhealthy when you are using it as a way to avoid your issues, but is healthy when you just need a brain break.
Go on a drive this week just to drive. See how it feels.
Questions:
What do you use to distract yourself from the hard?
Have you ever gone on a drive just to drive?
Are you in a time of life where you often feel you need to clear your head?
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