STRESS BUSTING YOUR DAILY COMMUTE

Stress as we may all know by now, is the “silent killer”. Everyday we all are exposed to some form of the s-word. One of the main causes of stress is the daily commute. Whether it is to the mall, supermarket, school, or work there is usually some dread of impending stress attached to it.

Recently, this writer has been exposed to those drivers who traverse the oncoming lane and just “decide” to switch to enter a street or park- without any signal that this maneuver is coming. It has become so common that there is no longer that heart pounding and adrenaline rush.

Here are 6 ways to bust that commuting stress! Hope it helps...

1. Music

Sing along or listen your favorite music. This has been a tried and true way of reducing stress. The mind becomes less focused on the commute/traffic. One may experience relief and become enlivened by “that song” which sparked happiness, love or nostalgia.

2. Aromatherapy

Make your vehicle a zen zone. Place scents that are calming and stimulate a positive mood for you. Lavender is one scent that is clinically shown to reduce anxiety, it may help balance the nervous system in the face of commuting stress. Indulge in whatever scent that elicits a calmed state  for you.

3. Take Ten Deep Breaths...Slowly

Try inhaling deeply 5-10 times when feelings of stress begin to creep up whilst driving or in traffic. This increases the blood flow to the brain, decreases anxiety and slows the heart rate resulting in relaxation.

4. Leave earlier

This may help to make the commute more bearable as it gives one more time and control. Unpredictability is the factor that causes the most stress whilst commuting.

Research suggests that Commuters have higher stress levels because they are unable to control their situation.


5. Laughter 

Laughter is one of the best medicines and is proven to reduce stress. Commuting stress is no different! Laugh it up by tuning into a radio station that supplies a joke or two, call-in and talk shows can also be a source of great comedy.




6. Good Ole' Trini-Style Venting
Saying a few choice words has been known to do the trick to relieve commuting stress. You all know what I mean...However, please use some form of temperance in venting otherwise this may have the opposite effect.

Source: https://www.yahoo.com/health/10-stressbusting-strategies-for-your-daily-commute-91417526932.html

Related Article:  7 Secrets to Taming Driver Stress