Everything goes from the head. Experts identify dealing with stress in traffic with traditionally difficult situations, such as a visit to the dentist, interviews for a new job, going out in front of the tax authorities and similar ordinary situations that significantly affect the human psyche. In such situations, it does not matter at all whether you are in your own or rented car. Stress is stress, but is there any help in such situations without being of a pharmaceutical nature? Naturally, there is! True, no one can design a magic wand and remove stress by hand, but it can help to alleviate it as much as possible and make it acceptable. Right up to the limit that we can call “the positive porch.” Here are some practical tips that can help you.
Prepare for what awaits you on the road
As in everyday life and the activities you do, anticipate the unpredictable: by this, in the first place, we mean that you always add a minute, maybe an hour (depending on the distance) in time to get to the desired destination. You can never determine with certainty whether there is a delay on the selected route caused by countless unforeseen situations. You can waste time either waiting in the vehicle, or on the bypass, which can often be longer than the initially intended route. In these cases, if you calculate the “delay”, you know that you have enough time to reach the goal on time, which will definitely affect your state of calm. True, many will say that modern technologies such as smartphones and On-line navigation systems can indicate a standstill, but what if the road “closes” right in front of you? In that case, all the power of artificial intelligence has absolutely no significance. What’s more, it can make you laugh by being late in delivering information. And you must wait if you wait. So, on the road, regardless of how long it was, start on time, with calculated unforeseen circumstances. If they don’t happen, so much the better.
Don’t get upset about someone else’s arrogance and rudeness
Well, we are almost used to being “cut” by someone in traffic every day, flying through a red light at a traffic light, blocking our car in the parking lot, blocking the access to the garage… times. Well, never take other people’s insolence and stupidity personally. No one will “cut” you because you are behind the wheel, no one will block your car in the parking lot just because it is yours… Altogether, it is the lack of driving (and not only driving) culture in the persons concerned. Look at it with a smile and constantly expect something like that to happen to you. Not only to stay in the “Zen” state, but also for personal safety. If you expect an excessive traffic situation, you will be prepared to react to it adequately and avoid an accident. Otherwise… Here are the problems, especially if you try to be stubborn with impudent and unscrupulous drivers. Try to look at it differently: what if the person who caused the situation to turn on the “red light in your head” is merely a terrible driver, unaware of personal actions? What if… Forget, then, the siren and the “bending”, just shake your head and continue on your way. Be sure that there will already be someone who will do exactly what you, by working on yourself, have overcome. Merely put – be phlegmatic.
Approach problem-solving in a different way
It is in the blood of all of us to “foam”, “let off steam”, mention close and distant relatives in the most negative possible context, wave our hands pretending indecent movements and actions… Can it be otherwise? Absolutely! Imagine yourself in a situation of driving behind a car driven by a frightened beginner moving at snail speed. You, according to Murphy’s law, are not able to visit it simply and casually, because a column of trucks, buses is moving in the opposite direction, or simply visibility does not allow you to perform the desired action. Instead of blood rushing to your head, try to play your chosen music, think about an upcoming event that fills you, have fun watching the reactions of other road users and think about how their anger can negatively affect the further course of driving. And you are absolutely calm and ready to enjoy the moments that await you upon arrival at your final destination. Take a deep breath and resume your journey quite calmly. And then, the next day, all over again.