New panic attack when applying Red Sock Method

[Jim]

I have been reading the Fear of Driving book for 3 weeks now. I am applying all the methods, especially the Red Sock Technique. Since I was used to driving in a somewhat tense way, driving the "Red Sock" way (Relaxed manner) is a totally new sensation. It almost feels like I am driving a totally different car (Feel of the car seat feels totally different), which creates a "new" panic attack because I never felt like this before!!!

Has anybody experienced this sensation? Does anybody have suggestions how to overcome this?

[Lana]

Does this new feeling really cause "panic" or is it just "different". I think when we try new things, we experience new feelings. Can you maybe just remind yourself with a small chant that "this feeling is okay" or something like that? I find that when I focus on thinking of a repeated positive thought that the thought becomes more of my focus instead of analyzing what I am really feeling. Maybe a chant will keep your mind elsewhere until your body realizes that relaxation is different, but okay. Does that make sense? Hope it at least gives you something to think about.