Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset
Let’s cut to the chase: everyone hates heavy traffic. Imagine this: You’re up late for work and you need to rush. But once you’re out on the road, you find yourself nowhere near your destination as you are caught in the cluster of cars stuck in a seemingly endless long line.
Like many things in this world, heavy traffic can cause intense stress, which can cause you to repeatedly bash the horn of your brand new Toyota Altis in the Philippines out of sheer exasperation and pure anger. When you get too stressed out, it’s harmful for your health AND can definitely bring out the worst driver in you. Surely, you don’t want that.
Now you ask yourself: “How can I get through this insane traffic without being tempted to bump the other vehicles out of my way?” To better aid you in this insanity known as Traffic, here are some tips on how to deal with traffic sans the stress.
Eat. Eat. EAT.
Always keep emergency snacks in your car. When you find yourself stuck on the road, take this opportunity to munch on your favorite snacks on the road. One of the many causes for uncalled road rage is an empty stomach so it’s important to be prepared. Just be sure that you don’t fill up too much on sugary snacks as you need an energy boost to stay alert without eventually crashing from the sugar high.
Listen to Music
In case food does little to help, you can always listen to some of your favorite songs on the radio. You can also prepare a personal playlist of your favorite and relaxing songs and play them from any streaming advice to have that constant stream of sound flowing in your ears.
If you are really agitated, try playing the angriest song you have on your playlist and sing along with it as loud as you want. That’s a great way to get the road rage out of your system without taking it out on other drivers.
Take a Short Nap
This is a huge advantage to take when traffic really is at a stalemate. If you’ve noticed that traffic hasn’t budged for a long while, take the opportunity to nap for a few minutes. Just be sure you’re wide awake by the time traffic starts to move. IMPORTANT NOTE: Only do this if there’s someone awake in the car with you. This is so they can alert you when the traffic starts moving.
Play some Car Games with your Companions
If you’re driving with your family or friends, playing games such as ‘I Spy’, The License Plate Game, and 20 Questions is a great way to pass the time and relax yourself with entertainment.
This is also a great way to spend time with your children if you’re driving with them. You can make it a friendly competition between you and your kids and see who spots the most items in I Spy. Entertained rather than equally agitated children will also be less stress to deal with.
Talk to your Companions
Simple, but effective. If you happen to be driving with your family or friends, just engage them in conversations about anything that comes to mind. Whether it be about current affairs or anything pop culture related, no subject is traffic-taboo.
At the end of the day, handling the stress of traffic will depend on you as the driver. Not only does this article cater to your handling of general stress, but the welfare of your passengers as well.
