Is Your Highway Commute Stressing You Out?
The ultimate bummer stressor is being trapped in your car
on the commute home, tired, hungry, too cold/hot (depending on the weather),
overwhelmed from a hectic day at the office, and being attacked by kamikaze
drivers! You know who they are: The one who cuts in front of you without
signaling first, makes obscene gestures, yells obscenities, tailgates,
drives recklessly, or simply does not follow traffic laws. (As someone once
said, that includes about all Texas drivers.)
Just being incarcerated in your car amid a major-league traffic jam (we have
a few in the Metroplex) can be trying even for the most imperturbable of us.
How can we drive in this craziness, without being driven crazy ourselves?
To make your commute more tolerable, try some of these
proven techniques:
1. Make sure your seat is as comfortable and adjusted as
possible and listen to some good music.
2. Give yourself extra commuting time in case of a traffic
jam or road construction. If you arrive at your destination early, consider
the extra time a bonus and catch up on work, walk a few minute, or make a
phone call.
3. Plan activities you can do while keeping your eyes on
the road. Listen to a teach-yourself-Spanish CD or a book on tape. Jot down
a to-do list, grocery list, or creative ideas. Sing along with the radio.
Try isometric exercise for your buns, claves, or arms; aim for 20
repetitions. Remember a funny joke or memory, then enjoy your belly laugh
out loud. Remember, it takes only twelve muscles to smile versus 114 to
frown.
4. Take a good attitude along. Think about calming images such as a favorite vacation spot on the beach or in the mountains. Tell yourself calming messages such as This too shall pass or I am chilled out or This is no big deal.
5. View the traffic as an opportunity to rest, not just wait. Relax your neck muscles. Breathe slowly and deeply from your diaphragm as you say your self-calming statements.
6. Most importantly, adopt an attitude of acceptance. See the event as a challenge or as an exercise in major self-control. Ignore rude gestures and refuse to return them. Understand that the poor chap who is raging or being inconsiderate must indeed have a miserable existence if s/he resorts to such inconsiderate guerrilla tactics on the road. But call the police on your cell phone if a driver is threatening your safety.
7. Carpool with a good friend. Meaningful conversation can reduce stress levels too.
8. Lastly, avoid the peak traffic times if possible: Life has enough challenges already.