Traffic jams are the worst. You have to deal with other drivers merging, driving erratically, or throwing anger and shade your way for 30 minutes to several hours a day. That’s why it’s no surprise that the traffic is a main source of anger, stress, and anxiety. If you suffer from a bit of road rage every now and again that’s exacerbated by traffic jams, check out a few of these strategies to keep you calm behind the wheel.
Turn Off the Road Rage Music
Studies have yet to show the soothing qualities of Metallica, hardcore hip hop, or punk rock, and that’s why you should avoid them behind the wheel. Fast, aggressive music with violent lyrics can often get your blood boiling, and that’s even before someone cuts you off or changes lanes without using a blinker. If possible, try some jazz, classical, or talk radio that keeps your eyes on the road and your rage at a far from palpable level.
Grab a Snack
Although you should avoid eating and driving, grabbing a snack during a traffic jam is an ideal way to curb your anger and stress. You have more than a few options when it comes to the snack, as this can range from indulgences such as candy to something healthier or protein-packed such as fruit or jerky. The idea here isn’t so much what you eat, but the fact you’re eating something can direct your rage away from other motorists and chill you out, even if only for a few minutes.
Listen to a Book on Tape
If you’ve ever watched golf on television or Bob Ross paint a lovely picture, you know all about the soothing qualities of a quiet, calm voice. At home, these things may put you to sleep, but behind the wheel, they can offer a refuge from a traffic jam. You can find these voices on talk radio shows every so often, but a book on tape may just deliver it even better. Not only do you get a soft voice to listen to, but you also get an enthralling story that distracts you from the person who’s putting on makeup, eating a cheeseburger, and inching into your lane.
Try Something New
You have your favorite musical artists for a reason, whether it’s because of the insightful lyrics, screeching guitar solos, or danceable beats. However, you might find yourself in a rut of listening to the same songs on your iPod or the radio. This can cause you to tune them out, and you may actually find listening to the same things as an annoyance. Fortunately, you have alternatives to this revolving cycle.
With SiriusXM satellite radio, Pandora, or HD radio, you can listen to artists you may never have heard before based on your tastes and other artists you enjoy. This new music keeps you attentive, while also calming you during the drive.
Unless you’re a bit of a masochist, you probably don’t love the prospect of sitting in traffic. However, you can curb your fears and make the best of a bad situation, keeping you calm, collected, and under control for the duration of your ride.
This photo, “Bay Bridge traffic jam DSCN0362,” by Gohsuke Takama used under CC BY 2.o. “Bay Bridge traffic jam DSCN0362” is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Wyatt Johnson Ford.
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