Driving in rush hour traffic - how to keep your cool
No one likes to get stuck in rush hour traffic. It can be a very frustrating time, especially if you have somewhere to be and are running late. And, add the summer heat to the equation and people quickly become less patient and more likely to experience road rage tendencies.
People need to realize that rush hour traffic is part of life, especially if you live in a large city such as Toronto or in the GTA. Rather than fighting it, people need to accept the fact that they are going to run into traffic.
Here are some tips to help keep you cool when faced with the stress that rush hour traffic creates:
Put on some music: Listening to your favorite music can help to keep your stress level down when stuck in traffic.
Listen to an audio book: Audio books are a great tool to not only pass the time when stuck in traffic, but to also allow you to multi task and spend your time in traffic effectively.
Listen to a radio show: Finding a radio show you like will give you something to look forward during the drive home.
Give yourself extra time: Make sure you give yourself some extra time if you expect to encounter traffic. This will help to reduce your stress level.
Know what to expect before you leave: Listen to traffic reports and know what to expect before you leave. This way you won’t experience anything that you already didn’t know about and can prepare yourself for traffic.
Take a deep breath: If you feel your stress level rising, get in the habit of taking a few controlled deep breaths. You will be surprised how quickly this can reduce your stress level and help you keep you cool.
Losing your cool while in traffic can be dangerous. Losing your temper can cause you to do things that you otherwise would not do with a clear mind. Keep cool while in traffic and keep yourself out of potentially worse situations.