Six (6) Ways To Beat The Traffic Stress

Traffic congestion is inevitable. One way or another, you are bound to encounter it at least once in your lifetime especially if you live or work in a city environment. The secret then lies on how to deal with it so you will not be stressed when you come across a jam or two.

How To Beat Traffic Stress

Regardless if you are on your way to a restaurant to have a dinner date with your partner or out to meet a client for a meeting, learn the top ways to beat traffic stress.

1.       Plan your trip. Do remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Leave your place early and allot allowance for jams and road emergencies. This is especially helpful if you are visiting the site the first time or if the area is prone to traffic congestion. It will definitely lessen your anxiety if you are aware that you have plenty of time to spare to reach your destination. In case you arrive ahead of schedule, you can easily use the extra minutes to relax or socialize online.

2.       Install traffic-related apps on your smartphone. Get alerted of the current road conditions and delays straight to your mobile. Be informed of alternate routes and shortcuts. Know the latest updates real-time, as it happens. For instance, if your office is located in a commercial space in Makati, you can quickly get around Makati City with the information provided in the mobile application and see which directions to take to reach your workplace faster.

3.       Avoid stressing yourself on purpose. Stop looking at your watch or phone every other minute to assess how long you have been stuck and idle. This will only increase the tension you are feeling at the moment. Also, research has shown that traffic noise raises blood pressure and can lead to heart attack. Hence, keep from honking your horn or yelling out as if you’re looking for a fight. If you are headed for work or an appointment, call someone to tell them that you will be otherwise delayed.

4.       Bring water and fruits everytime you travel. Drinking water and eating a banana, or any type of fruit for that matter, are great stress relievers. Therefore, staying hydrated and healthy will definitely help too.

5.       Keep yourself occupied. Listening to music is a wonderful way to calm your nerves so play some relaxing MP3s from your player. Use this chance to meditate on the activities you have planned for the day.

6.       Stay positive. There is nothing more effective than looking at the situation positively. If the reason for the jam is caused by an accident, this is the perfect opportunity to count your blessings that you are not the direct receiver of the mishap.