13 Ways To Drive Peacefully Despite Heavy Traffic Jam
68Today, people take more time than ever in getting to and from work every day. On average, we need the equivalent of 12 full days per year on the road, according to a Statistics Canada report. Many people take 90 minutes or more behind the wheel every day. This is enough to cause road rage even in the most docile person.
If driving in heavy traffic heading to work cause anger and frustration, you need to follow our rules to have a more peaceful journey.
1. Take public transportation. According to a study by Dr. Meni Koslowski, a researcher at the University Barllan of Israel, it is not the traffic that causes stress, but it is the time spent in the car. The feeling of being trapped inside the car is what causes the emotional problem. If you drive your car to work, you feel the lack of control on the situation. If you get stuck in traffic, you feel you've lost control. When traveling by public transport, we cede control to other driver.
2. Make a list of favorite music for the trip: one for work and another to relax on the way home. One study found that people who listen to music when they are stuck in traffic are less likely to get distressed.
3. Avoid peak hours whenever possible. It is a good idea to pick a better route, but few people bother to look for alternatives. What you have viable alternatives? Get ahead of the crowds and go early, so you can go to work without hurry.
4. Don’t rush. Speeding will save you no more than a few minutes, it will increase your stress levels significantly and may ruin your whole day. Slow down and drive with quietly, it is much more pleasant.
5. Study while you drive. If you've always wanted to learn Spanish or other languages this is your chance. You can buy audio CD and download files to your iPod or car stereo. Even the worst traffic is more tolerable when you're deeply engrossed in an exciting mystery novel.
6. Make yourself comfortable. It is not just putting on a seatbelt. Before going outside, make sure the head support is just right and in line with your ears. Arrange the seat and steering wheel to make you feel more comfortable. Check all mirrors position, so you don’t need to bend or straighten your neck when you need to use them.
7. "Manual or automatic transmission? The correct answer is automatic. Although you burn more calories and spend less fuel with a manual transmission, your stress level can be higher. The new automatic transmissions make things easier for you.
8. Defines five alternative routes for a destination. If you know you can take another path, you can have more control over the situation.
9. Turn on the radio. Tune to a favorite radio station to listen to your favorite music and being updated to the latest news.
10. Do not start judging other drivers. A driver gets angry very annoyed when another car tries to take over. When someone is going slower than him, he also gets angry. Overreaction to other drivers is a sure way to get stress, headaches and anger. The best approach is to be a defensive driver and don’t bother you what other drivers do.
11. Relax before you get in the car. Eat breakfast well, do not ram a toast in your mouth while driving
12. Go to work 30 minutes earlier than normal. Studies have found that when you have don’t feel the urgency, you’ll get less stress.
13. Try a route with less obstruction. Driving farther is better than driving on obstructed road with many traffic lights, turns and pedestrian crossings. For most of us, nothing is more stressful than trying to move quickly on a crowded street.
