We wake up looking forward to a day full of possibilities and energy, with a plan in place and a goal to meet. Pumped with enthusiasm, we leave our houses, only to get stuck in the terror of traffic. Being stuck in traffic could be a strong source of anger, irritation, and stress.
Some of the things that make people feel agitated in traffic are:
A Sense of helplessness – there’s nothing that can be done to make traffic move
No outlet for the stress – you may be cooped up in in your car
No control over the situation – others may choose to break rules or hurl curses!
Our day is off to a bad start
Delay in your schedule / waste of time
Consumption of fuel and energy
Congestion of smoke, heat and noise.
All these thoughts can build up into anger and stress, and at the end of the day, both physical and mental exhaustion.
Here are some things that can help you beat that commute confusion:
Turn on some tunes: Try listening to music that you enjoy and soothes you, instead of the constant honking and bickering that is going on. If you’re on a two-wheeler, hum those songs and keep it going until the green light comes on.
Keep it calm: Inhale and exhale deeply, concentrate on your breathing, and remember that getting upset will not help the traffic move. This may help calm your heart, and your rage and soothe your nerves.
Evaluate the situation: Take a minute to look at the situation and assess how it would impact you if you were to lose your cool. Understanding realistic outcomes of a situation usually helps.
If you are a passenger- Get the little things done: Forgot to text someone? Do it now – when the traffic is still. Be creative and think of things you could do to make use of that time, reading, listening to an audiobook, praying, making to-do lists, catching a nap, etc.
See that humour: Seeing the funny side of things could be a big stress reliever and could help the situation.
Make conversation: Talking to someone can help your mind deviate from the current situation. As long as the conversation is not about the traffic itself. Use this time to network with colleagues who travel on the same route, and who you haven’t had the chance to talk to before.
Notice the people: Look around you, and notice that there are other people who are also in this with you. Some may be upset, and some may be enjoying themselves, but use this time to understand that you are not alone.
Mix it up: Doing the same thing repeatedly can contribute to boredom and feelings of frustration. You can mix up your routine by taking alternative routes, planning for the next day, traveling with a colleague who lives nearby, etc. Be on the lookout for modes of transport that can make your commute easier, cheaper, and more interesting.
Finally, when you reach your destination and you’re out of the traffic, leave all that frustration behind. Don’t let it get in the way of your day. Take a deep breath, think of the things that matter to you for the rest of the day, and get started!
If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help.