If you live in a city of any size or travel frequently for your job, you've probably experienced the frustration of being stuck in a traffic jam more than a few times. If you're on a deadline or even if it's only a leisure trip, your stress levels can skyrocket, particularly if traffic comes to a complete halt. Studies have shown during situations like this, your body pumps out higher levels of stress hormones such as cortisol which can wreck havoc on your body. This is why it's important to have strategies to help you relax the next time you're in this unfortunate situation. Here's how to relax when you're stuck in a traffic jam:
Listen to An Audiobook
If you travel a great deal, keep a few audiobooks stashed in a compartment in your car. If you're stuck in traffic you can always pull one out and get lost in an exciting story adventure. A little audio escapism never hurts when you're stuck in a frustrating traffic jam.
Sing Out Loud
If you find yourself becoming angry or anxious when you're stuck in a traffic jam, belt out a tune loud and strong. Not only can singing help to offset stress related brain activity, it also helps to slow down your heart rate and control your breathing. As you sing your favorite tunes, feel yourself slowly relax. Try using a radio station that plays popular music without words to serve as your background music. Imagine you're a popular singer making your stage debut and all the other drivers are in awe of your stunning performance. How can you be stressed under those circumstances?
Play A Game
Play an entertaining game using your radio to pass the time while stuck in a traffic jam. Put the radio on scan mode. As it switches stations, see how quickly you can identify the song being played and who's singing it. As the stations scan through, stop and listen to a station you've never listed to before. Experience a new type of music or a new talk show host. Who knows you may discover a station you love that you never knew existed.
Have A Snack
Keep a delicious snack stashed in your glove compartment that's reserved only for traffic jams. Make it so tasty that you actually look forward to a little inconvenience so you can eat it. When traffic grinds to a halt, pull out your snack and slowly enjoy every last bite. You deserve it.
Argue With the Talk Show Host
Tune into a talk show on your radio. (Thanks goodness cars have radios!) Listen to what the talk show host has to say. If you disagree, let some of that traffic frustration out by giving it back to him. Let him know you think his opinion and ideas are the stupidest you've ever heard. Just make sure your windows are rolled up so no one can hear you. This will allow you to release some of that pent up frustration at being stuck in traffic. You'll feel better immediately.
Being stuck in a traffic jam can be frustrating but you'll be prepared the next time with simple little techniques to help lower your stress level and soon you'll be relaxed and on your way again.
