Just after the pandemic eased, a familiar noise filled the air: the sound of constant traffic. During the COVID shutdowns, the roads were naturally quiet, and people worked at home. But then, gradually, life returned to some sort of new normal, which meant that most drivers felt that all-too-familiar commuter rage. It’s not easy to reduce this sensation; however, let’s ensure you figure out how to reduce the terrible feelings that come with the daily grind.
Alternative Transport Options
Let’s get this out of the way because if you are close enough to opt for public transport, carpooling, or even something a bit more fashionable, such as a classic-style electric bike, why shouldn’t you for the sake of your sanity? Because those alternative transportation options are, for most of us, not even a part of our thoughts, it’s definitely worth bearing in mind if this is worth your while for the sake of keeping your commuter rage to something a little less intense.
Mindfulness Before You Step into the Car
If there is absolutely no choice in the matter, and you need to get in a car, you’ve got to change your attitude towards the commute. Mindfulness, like deep breathing, can help you stay calm, especially if you are frustrated that you’re not able to get home any quicker. The fact is we’re not able to control what happens with the traffic, and therefore we’ve got to understand how best to calm ourselves in the situation. Those who experience commuter rage tend to feel a lot more stressed out in other areas of their lives. It’s clear to see because we spend so much time on our commute that we have one hell of a hangover effect on the other parts of our lives. The trick to being calm in any stressful situation is to take control over your physiological responses, also known as your “fight or flight” sensation. This is why mindfulness should be an ongoing practice in our lives if we intend to get in the car every single day.
Engaging Content in Your Car
There are many benefits to having music on in the car because, if you choose the right tunes, you’re not going to feel as stressed. Think about the things that help you relax, for example, before you go to sleep. Relaxing podcasts or a calming playlist may distract your mind from those ongoing frustrations, especially if there’s a major problem on the road. If anything, we can make the most of our commuting time, for example, by listening to music we wouldn’t necessarily get to listen to because of other duties in our lives, like being a parent. If there’s anything we need to learn about commuting, it’s that actually, we can get a lot done being stuck in traffic. Rather than just sitting there getting frustrated that you’re not moving, this is the ideal chance for you to start preparing your mind for what you can do when you get off the road. It is a part of our existence, and this is why we have to remember that commuting doesn’t need to be the source of our anger.