Reduce Stress when Stuck in Traffic

by Ronel Forbes

January 4, 2023

The constant mayhem of bumper-to-bumper traffic can undoubtedly increase tension and a bad mood. Everybody can become a little road rage monster when they are trapped in traffic. Almost everyone’s happiness, stress level, and mental health will undoubtedly suffer as a result.

Even the most patient individual may experience sudden outbursts as a result of it. It is a fact that when we are caught in traffic, we waste precious time doing almost nothing but creating a lot of negative energy.

Please read: A DAY IN A COMMUTER’S LIFE

For some temporary entertainment, turn on some music

The simplest method for lowering stress is this. Sing along to the music of your favorite bands and performers. Sing proudly and loudly, even if you are singing out of tune if you are by yourself. While time passes, practice your vocal range.

Create your own version of CarPool Karaoke if your family and friends are traveling with you.

When you are having fun, it releases some negativity and time naturally moves swiftly. However, keep in mind that staying away from harsh and aggressive music will only fuel the fire.

Choose lively, upbeat songs, jazz that is relaxing and pleasant, or soft rock. Whether there is heavy traffic or not, it is worthwhile to have a decent playlist on hand.

Stream podcasts

The rise of podcasts and audiobooks is one of the finest aspects of the current digital era. Podcasts can be downloaded and streamed for free most of the time. For absolutely ANY topic you have even the smallest interest in no matter how esoteric there are a variety of podcast shows available.

Play a game

The driver’s mood isn’t the only one unaffected by traffic; the passengers are also unaffected. Toddlers and teenagers can be a pain in the neck, and the elderly can be frustrating. Oh, how joyful! Here is when some creativity, inspiration, and perhaps a little desperation are put to use.

What about pulling up the riddles app on your phone and playing a game of “Candy Crush”? The wait will be tolerable, and the company will be nice. But keep in mind to stay focused, and if you’re driving, try not to get carried away or distracted by your phone.

Enjoy a little snack break

Everyone finds happiness in food, so benefit from the occasion to enjoy that little bag of foodies. Eat your way through the heavy traffic, letting the sweetness and joy fill you. It is a fulfilling activity that will give you the strength you need to drive for a few more hours.

Take meals with you while traveling so you can make the most of your time and tick off meals from your to-eat list. Just a short reminder to choose messy-free snacks or meals as well to spare yourself the worry of discovering salt or other debris on the driving wheel or the floor. Choose energy bars, cut veggies, unsalted almonds, and even chocolate.

Examine and set up your calendar

You might as well accomplish this task mentally and be productive. Your obligations should be rearranged to make room for occasional adjustments. This is a decent plan, especially if traffic congestion was not anticipated.

After wasting valuable time on the road, you are mentally prepared for what to do first and next when you reach your destination. There’s no need to panic because your mind has already updated everything.

You might also make a mental checklist of the things you need to complete in place of organizing your schedule. Moms might find it wise to make a grocery list when stranded in their cars.

Recognize and accept your anger

While snarled in traffic, not all of your negative thoughts will be able to escape your mind. But moving on after acknowledging that you are feeling that way right now will help you deal with stress.

Dwelling on your emotions will only make you more agitated and upset, and it may cause you to make hasty decisions and behave irresponsibly. An instantaneous annoyance won’t escalate into a full-blown road rage if you recognize your anger, accept it, and move on.

Keep a positive outlook

Despite the fact that enduring a traffic jam may be the greatest struggle of all, being optimistic is essential. When it seems like the time and the conditions on the road are not in your favor, always maintain your composure.

It can be difficult to resist the urge to lose your cool, but doing so could lead to impulsive actions that will harm you more than help.

Let’s keep our calm and just find something else to do while we wait for the next car to move forward. Losing our temper won’t make the traffic flow more smoothly. Try to draw in as much good energy as you can.

You can use the speakerphone to spend some time speaking with a friend or a member of your family. However, a polite reminder that you shouldn’t be clutching your cell phone and that it should be mounted.

Always keep your eyes on the road and pay close attention to your surroundings.

Conclusion

Being snarled up in traffic is becoming a depressing standard for everyone, especially for people who live in cities. In particular, it has become an inescapable sensation during holidays and peak times. It would be advisable to be aware of the present traffic conditions and open to taking alternate routes.

To escape the traffic, you might also try to leave your location sooner than usual. The opposite is also true; departing from your starting point for your destination roughly 15 minutes later can also make a difference, especially in the late afternoons and early evenings.

There are numerous mobile traffic programs available today that can show you the shortest and fastest routes. Utilize these programs to find your way out of the congested streets and avenues.

Make yourself at home in your car by finding a comfortable seat. Take charge of the situation and resist letting the lengthy wait times and wasted time control you. If everything else fails, simply take a breath in and one out.