Help me with a ridiculous anxiety issue

[SuperSmashingLovely]

I have to drive to London tomorrow with my son for a sports event. I'm getting very stressed at the thought. I have always had this problem. I worry about being late, traffic issues, no parking, breaking down etc etc. it's relentless and is making me ill.

I think first of all acknowledge that feeling anxious about it is a normal feeling.

then break it down into things you can control and things you can’t:

Traffic: leave loads of time so that if there is traffic you still have time to get there.

Break down: fill tank, check oil etc the night before.

Parking: can you book the parking ahead of time so you know where you are going/that you have a parking space? There are a lot of apps on which you are able to do this.

Can you tell I also get anxious about travel?! These things help me feel a lot more in control.

but also recognise that other things might be out of your control and you will deal with them as best you can as they come up

Thank you. It's so draining. Even going to my local supermarket causes anxiety.

Can you go on public transport or a taxi

Could Park and Ride be an option?

I drive often in London. Is there any particular part of the journey that’s worrying you? Perhaps I can help.

What helps me is acknowledging that it absolutely could all go horribly wrong, that I won’t find a parking space, that I will be late and we’ll miss the event etc… imagining all the worst possible case scenarios that I can imagine… and I remember that I Will Cope.

None of these things are end-of-the-world scenarios. Yes, it will be a massive inconvenience and a total exhausting pain in the ass and horrible to go through, but eventually it will end and the world will go on.

then I dismiss it from my mind and do something else.

@Autumn38 suggestions are also good. They come under the heading of ‘control what you can control’ and forget the rest.

Could you go by train?

No offense intended but do you feel you are a safe driver if you feel so anxious?
Driving a ton + vehicle at 70.mph is a huge responsibility.. Both to yourself and other drivers...
If you feel so stressed now I would rather you used public transport than a road near me thanks...