How to Keep Your Stress Levels Low While Driving

Especially if you live in the heart of a populous city, driving can be very stressful. It can kick start your stress on your way to the office, and it can add to your stress on your way home.

In this article, you will learn some tips and tricks on how to minimize stress while driving.

Don’t forget to repost this article on your various social media sites later on so that your family and friends who drive their own cars can also learn how to lower their stress levels while behind the wheel.

Unlike when you are in your home, you cannot deal with stress in the same way when driving. You will surely put yourself as well as those around you in danger if you try to combat stress by closing your eyes, reading a book, writing in your journal or drinking chamomile tea while you are manning a motor vehicle!

There are other things that you may do to help keep your stress levels to a minimum while getting from point A to point B. Here are the ones that are worth giving a shot:

Do Not Mind Bad Drivers

Bad drivers will stay as bad drivers no matter how many times you honk your horn or which expletives you throw at them. Doing any of those will only leave you stressed.

Instead, what you need to do is look for ways to get rid of them ASAP. If they’re behind you, allow them to pass. If you’re behind them, switch to a different lane. Good riddance! Think of it as just one of those days where you have to be the bigger person to walk away.

Be an Early Bird

It is said that the early bird gets the worm. But in the case of driving, the early bird gets the least stress.

Leaving 20 or 30 minutes earlier for work can save you from being stuck in a traffic jam which is a commonplace during rush hour. Doing so can also spare you from arriving late to work, which is something that can add to your stress. If possible, try to leave work early to avoid heavy traffic.

Look for a Better Route

If leaving home and the workplace earlier than usual is not a possibility, fret not. It doesn’t mean that you have no choice but to put up with stress on your way to and fro your office building. Sometimes it can only mean that you have to look for a different route that can save you from getting stuck in traffic.

You may have to devote a few extra minutes if you choose to stay away from the highway, but you will surely enjoy considerably reduced stress.

Play Soothing Music

Everyone knows that listening to relaxing music is a great way to lower one’s stress levels. The good news is music listening is a stress-busting activity that can be done no matter where you are, including inside your car.

While it can be energizing to listen to songs with fast tempos and booming drums, it can only exacerbate your stress. Instead, opt for songs that can help calm your mind. By the way, rely on your car stereo ­­— never use an earphone that’s plugged into your smart phone or portable MP3 player while driving.

Take Slow Deep Breaths

Another stress-relieving activity that you may perform while you’re behind the wheel or elsewhere is taking slow deep breaths. Instantly, it’s something that can make your mind and body calmer.

It’s a wonderful idea for you to play an audio CD (again, using your car stereo) that instructs you on how to perform breathing exercises for eliminating stress.

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