How do breathing exercises calm driving nerves?

Learning some simple breathing exercises will help you to calm driving nerves, stress and anxiety quickly whenever you need to, as well as improving your memory and concentration.  Several breathing exercises ask you to focus on the out-breath which may seem counter-intuitive but there is a reason.

When we breathe out unconsciously this is actually a letting go rather than an action. Breathing in is an action which is why when we choose to breathe consciously we instinctively start with the in-breath. Breathing out is actually a release of air, when we breathe out we let go a little, releasing the air in our lungs and at the same time, our muscles let go a little, relaxing and softening. Try it now and notice how your muscles respond to the in-breath and out-breath, notice what your shoulders do.

Anyone who does Yoga or Pilates will tell you that they can stretch just that little bit further on the out-breath when their muscles let go a little as they relax and breathe into a move or position. You are much more likely to be able to touch your toes on an out-breath than an in-breath! 

Experts recommend that starting with and improving the out-breath will automatically improve the quality of your in-breath and improving your overall breathing habits. Why not try syncing your breath in time to the shape in the video to see how breathing exercises can calm driving nerves.

Purchasing a subscription to Confident Drivers gives you access to several different breathing exercises so you can find one that suits you best.   A subscription gives you access to more  stress management solutions recommended for learner drivers, read our reviews to see how they have helped others overcome nerves and improve driving confidence.  We also have group plans available for driving instructorswho would like to support their pupils.

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If you have a driving test coming up soon you might find our Ultimate Guide to Driving Test Nerves useful.

Read more of our reviews from happy learner drivers on Trustpilot

If you would like some additional help and stress management resources to help you tackle your driving test nerves or improve driving confidence then our subscriptions are created by leading industry experts especially for you.

What is included:

Four relaxation audios 
Three ways to use imagery techniques 
A range of breathing exercises and a breathing audio
Positive self-talk tools and techniques to manage negative thinking 
Four TFT Meridian tapping videos for different emotions and feelings 
A range of Coaching tools and techniques to help plan ahead and change your driving mindset
Two hypnotherapy audios specifically tailored for Driving Confidence and Driving Test Nerves.
You will also get a SIX Week Introduction to Mindfulness course - learning skills you can use in stressful situations throughout your life.

These plans are created specifically for individual drivers, you can find out more details on our learner drivers page.  We also have a range of group plans created for driving instructors, you can find more details on our ADI page.