You know how it starts: an irate family member; long lines at the deli counter; a computer crash before you’ve had the chance to save the spreadsheet you’ve been working on for hours. Before you know it, you’re tied mercilessly to your own frustration, bound and gagged in the angry recesses of your mind, trying to break free and ready to snap.
It doesn’t seem like the best time to mingle cordially with other people—especially not while powering a ton or more of steel at 60 miles per hour. And yet for many people, driving from point A to point B is not an option; it’s a must. So how can you stay calm when you’re behind the wheel? Read on.
Strategies for Staying Calm While Driving
Listen to your favorite music. Even if your MP3 player is packed with downloads from sites like Stereokiller.com, you can still find peace by listening to music. Find something that you like and that you can “escape” to during that drive home from the office or on your way over to visit the in-laws. Just remember: don’t listen to headphones while driving, and be sure to stay alert for any emergency vehicles which may be coming your way.
Take deep breaths. If you feel yourself getting hot under the collar, take some time to cool off. Roll down the window, get some fresh air, and breathe deeply. Focus on taking deep breaths in and out, feeling your stress dissipate with each breath. Helpful hint: Do not close your eyes during this exercise! Driving with your eyes closed is never a good idea and in the long run will not help ease anyone’s stress.
Slow down. Whenever possible, give yourself ample time to get to your destination. If you do find yourself behind on time when you’re behind the wheel, resist the urge to lay on the accelerator. Fast driving and other aggressive driving techniques such as tail-gating, sudden and risky lane-changing, or running red lights to “save a little time” can get your adrenaline—and your anger levels—up.
Instead, try and pace yourself. Recognize that, even if you are running late, driving five—or even ten—miles over the speed limit won’t even save you that much time. According to the site http://www.thetaoofmakingmoney.com, a driver would have to drive for approximately a half an hour, going 80 mph in a 70 mph zone, in order to save just five minutes.
So slow down, make rational driving choices and enjoy the increased calmness (and safety) that ensues.
Margaret Koch - Owner, Get It Write Consulting Offering copy editing, proofreading & resume writing services to businesses and individuals
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