Driving can be a very relaxing activity, but if you’re stuck in traffic or experiencing an issue with your car, your stress levels can instantly sky-rocket. Angry driving is not only unpleasant, but it can be very dangerous for you and your fellow drivers. So, how can you lower stress and have a smoother drive?
Here are a few tips that can prevent road rage.
Learn Your Route
Every city has a route you should avoid by all cost. All locals know what road should be avoided at what time, so make sure to do your homework and learn your route rules if you’re new. Also, always have an alternative route in mind. In case there’s a wreck blocking traffic, it’s great to have a different path you can instantly take and avoid congestion. Every time you’re driving in the rain, expect some minor fender-benders and have your GPS ready to calculate a different route for you.
Embark Earlier
If you give yourself enough time to get to your destination without speeding, there’s a good chance your stress levels will remain normal. This way, even if you get stuck in traffic, you will know you have enough time and there’s no reason to rage. In case you can’t start your journey earlier, prepare to be late and notify your boss or people you’re supposed to meet. When they expect you to be late, you will avoid that guilty feeling and feel more relaxed.
Ensure Your Car Is In Top Shape
There’s nothing more stressful than experiencing a car failure and getting stranded on the side of the road. This will not only make you late wherever you’re going but can also endanger your life. So make sure your car is in top shape and ready to take you to your destination. If you want to make your drive even smoother and more enjoyable, consider adding some upgrades to your vehicle. In order to improve your car’s performance, you can grab better aem induction systems and implement some cutting edge technology into your vehicle. Better performance equals a better driving experience and less stress on the road.
Minimize Distractions
Is your phone constantly chirping in your bag? Is your music too loud? Are you too hot? All of these distractions and unpleasantness can boost your stress levels and cause you to do something stupid and even dangerous. So before you start driving, put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode, regulate your music volume and set up your air conditioning.
Try Breathing Exercises
This might sound silly, but it definitely works. When you feel that you’re clutching the wheel, bouncing your leg or getting stressed, take a few deep breaths. This will reduce your blood pressure, allow you to think more clearly and avoid angry outbursts. Another way to relieve stress is to give yourself a little massage. We hold a lot of tension in our neck, shoulders and fists, so try relaxing these areas, rolling your neck, shoulders and joints and gently squeezing them as you sit in your car.
Play Some Calming Music
Make sure to have a quick and easy way to shift stations while you’re driving. Some music is very calming for the mind, while others can cause your adrenaline to spike and result in more aggressive behaviour on the road. As soon as you feel your shoulders tense, switch to your favourite station or play your relaxing playlist. Just avoid lullabies—you don’t want to fall asleep! Playing an audiobook is also a great idea since it will give you something to focus on while you’re sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Have a Snack
Do you often get hangry? Many people lose their temper when they feel hunger, so make sure to have some snacks with you in the car in case you get stuck in traffic on your way home for dinner. Something light will replenish your energy levels and allow you to keep a clear mind and focus on the road and staying relaxed. The same goes for water—always have a bottle of water with you in case your drive takes longer than expected.
Don’t allow yourself to get stressed while you’re driving. While traffic is often horrible and frustrating, there’s rarely anything you can do about it but prepare well and ride it out together with other people on the road – yelling and swearing won’t clear any congestion!
Author Bio
Diana Smith
is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in business and marketing related topics.
In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
