Driving can be a very relaxing activity, but if you’re stuck in traffic or have car trouble, your stress levels can skyrocket. Angry driving is not only unpleasant but can also be very dangerous for you and all other drivers.
Contrary to popular opinion, driving does not have to be a burden and can often turn into a real pleasure. To find out what you can do to achieve that, read below.
Dress Comfortably
It is very important that you feel comfortable behind the wheel so that nothing distracts you while driving. Accordingly, dress comfortably for the trip.
This, first of all, refers to footwear, which should be as comfortable as possible since you press the control pedals with your feet. Therefore, tennis shoes are an excellent choice for a long ride. When it comes to clothing, make sure you choose something comfortable, such as a sweatshirt.
Comfort while driving does not only mean an adequate selection of shoes and clothes but also being prepared in accordance with the weather conditions. Namely, if you are traveling in the summer, when the sun is strong, be sure to apply protective cream on your face and on parts of your body that are not covered by clothes or are exposed to the sun’s rays, so that you do not burn or develop allergies.
Work on Your and Your Car’s Safety
There is nothing more stressful than experiencing a car breakdown and finding yourself on the side of the road. Not only will you be late wherever you go, but it can also put your life in danger. So make sure your car is ready to take you to your destination.
Additionally, minimize distractions. All the distractions and inconveniences can increase your stress level and cause you to do something stupid and even dangerous. Accidents happen at the speed of light, and sometimes you may not even be sure who is to blame for the accident. In that case, cameras can help you. Also, if you own a truck, then tracking your fleet with a dashcam is a very wise move, because you’ll probably want to control your drivers from time to time. Surely it is important for you to know if they are wearing a seat belt and how they behave in traffic, so dash cams are a great recommendation. Don’t forget that the fact that you have reduced distractions does not mean that other drivers have, so always expect the unexpected.
Try Breathing Exercises
This may sound silly, but it works. When you feel yourself squeezing the wheel, tapping your foot, or feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths. This way, you will lower your blood pressure, you will be able to think more clearly, and you will avoid angry outbursts. Another way to relieve stress is to get a little massage. We hold a lot of tension in our necks, shoulders, and hands, so try to relax these parts of the body by massaging your neck, shoulders, and wrists and gently squeezing them while sitting in the car.
Play Some Relaxing Music
Make sure you can quickly and easily change stations while driving. Some music calms the mind, while others can cause your adrenaline to boil and lead to more aggressive behavior on the road, but this does not mean that you should “turn it up” to the maximum because in that case, you will not be able to “listen” to the road, i.e., what is going on inside the car and outside it.
As soon as you feel the tension in your shoulders, switch to your favorite station or play a relaxing playlist. The melody of the songs you listen to while driving must not be too relaxing but also not too fast, without words, and with lots of repetitive rhythms so as not to put you to sleep.
Playing an audiobook is also a great idea, as it will give you something to focus on while sitting in traffic.
Have a Snack
Do you often stay hungry? Many people lose their temper more easily when they’re hungry, so make sure you pack a few snacks in the car in case you get stuck in traffic on the way home for dinner. Something light will replenish your energy levels and allow you to focus on the road and stay relaxed. The same goes for water – always have a bottle of water with you in case your ride takes longer than expected.
Don’t let yourself get annoyed while driving. Although traffic is often horrendous and frustrating, there’s hardly anything you can do about it, but prepare well and remember to ride with other people on the road – yelling and cursing won’t make any traffic stop!