Driving can sometimes feel like juggling a dozen spinning plates while everyone’s yelling at you from the backseat. Whether it’s the honking horns, stop-start traffic, an endless to-do list running through your mind, or your kids treating the car like an audition for the latest chaos reality show, driving overstimulation is very real.
Luckily, there are ways to reclaim your calm behind the wheel while staying in control of the road. We have some great advice if you’re overstimulated while driving, helping you create a smoother experience.
What Exactly Is Overstimulation While Driving?
Picture this: you’re crawling through traffic, a car radio blaring, the GPS talking over a podcast, and inevitably, your phone is buzzing with texts about tonight’s PTA meeting. Overstimulation occurs when your brain struggles to process multiple sensory inputs simultaneously, leaving you feeling frazzled and distracted.
Some common triggers include noisy traffic, unexpected detours, and “helpful” backseat critiques. These competing demands chip away at your focus and increase the risk of mistakes while driving. Addressing this isn’t about becoming a perfect driver; it’s about understanding what throws you off balance and finding tools to manage it.
Start Calm, Stay Calm
Before you even open your car door, set yourself up for success. Take two minutes to decompress before starting the ignition. A few deep belly breaths can center your thoughts. Think of it as a reset button to leave the chaos of the day behind.
Planning your route beforehand is another lifesaver. Choose backroads over congested highways, and if possible, avoid the 8 AM and 5 PM gridlock windows. Nothing adds to stress quite like stop-and-go traffic while you’re already teetering on the edge. Bonus points if you keep essentials like water and mints handy.
And don’t overlook your car’s environment. Whether you prefer a lavender-scented air freshener or something citrusy, sensory comforts work wonders. A great experience with an air freshener can make your car feel more like a sanctuary and less like a mobile stress machine.
Stay Grounded Behind the Wheel
When you’re on the road, adjust your car’s features to work in your favor. Reduce outside distractions by keeping the radio at a low volume or choosing soothing playlists instead of news updates or high-energy jams. Need a mental boost? Audiobooks or calming podcasts can bring focus without overwhelming your senses.
On those particularly challenging mornings, try grounding techniques like the 5-5-5 Rule where you name five things you see, hear, and feel in your surroundings. It’s a quick mental reset that keeps your attention on the present moment rather than the chaos piling up in your head.
While we’re on the subject of staying sharp, it’s important to address driving errors to avoid while on a trip or running daily errands. These include letting your phone distract you or overestimating your multitasking abilities. Yes, you can wait to reply to that email.
You don’t have to dread every car ride, even on days when chaos threatens to spill over and take the front seat. By prepping your space, tuning into your mindset, and grounding yourself mid-commute, you can transform driving from a stress-inducing chore to a manageable—dare we say enjoyable—part of your routine. Use this advice the next time you feel that driving overstimulation kick in.
