3 Ways to Avoid Road Rage
After being stuck in traffic for two hours during a drive that should’ve taken 30 minutes, I found myself filled with road rage.
Working from home, I rarely have to commute for meetings and, especially when driving in Jacksonville, I consistently find myself enraged on the road.
But what does road rage prove?
What does getting angry about traffic solve?
Absolutely nothing.
It just leaves you feeling frustrated and pissed off…often for the remainder of the day.
Upon reflection, I realized that getting angry about the traffic hold up was ridiculous, unnecessary, and a silly reason to potentially ruin the rest of of my day. I thought: why am I getting so mad about traffic, when I have nowhere else to be?! I quickly realized my reaction was an overreaction.
This got me thinking about how many of us really do get frustrated on the road, when there are so many better options than road rage. Here are just a few.
1. Keep things in perspective.
Soon into the stop-and-go traffic, I found out the reason for the traffic delay: a vehicle fire on the highway.
Way to slap me with a dose of reality, universe.
Rather than get frustrated with the traffic, my thoughts were put to better use well wishing the people involved and hoping they were OK. There could possibly be people injured in an accident…and here I am getting frustrated for a standstill on the highway.
After all, what does it solve for me to get upset? Is it going to make the traffic go faster because I’m mad? Is it going to help the ambulance and firetruck get to this car faster because I’m pissed? Is it going to make the cars in front of me move faster because my body is filled with rage?
No to all of the above.
So the next time you’re stuck in traffic, try to keep things in perspective. Whether the hold up is due to accident, construction, or another unknown reason, do your best to be patient and understanding.
2. Meditate or think.
How often do we really get a chance to just sit and think quietly? I find a car ride is often a great place to take some quiet time: turn down the music or radio, put your phone away to lessen distractions, and simply reflect.
Woosah.
3. Use your time wisely.
There are a few things you can do in the car that will save you time later, are safe to do on the road, and will distract you from unnecessary road rage. These are my favorites.
Listen to an audiobook.
Audiobooks are one of the best ways I find to spend my time when I’m in the car, regardless of a traffic jam. No only does a book on tape distract me – in a good way – from my drive, but I also either learn something (I listen to a lot of business audiobooks) or I get to enjoy a good fiction book.
Make phone calls.
One of the other things I love to do in the car, in general, is to make the phone calls I need to.(Of course, you should always use your hands free device through your vehicle or a headset.) Like many women, I tend to be a multi-tasker, so if I tend to get distracted by something else when making personal calls.
Leave yourself a voice memo or brainstorm.
I often think of new content ideas when I’m driving. I’ll even jot full posts down (via voice memo). In fact, I wrote this post while waiting in the very traffic jam I mentioned!
Since the car is such a great place to think, it’s also a great time to brainstorm. Whether it’s a new idea, a problem that needs solving, or something you’re writing, use the extra time in the car wisely.
How do you best conquer road rage?