You probably heard this quote; “the longer you commute the less happy you are likely to be.” Considering that not everyone is fond of driving, this quote is not necessarily true.<\/p>\n
The fact is that drivers have the choice to make everyday a new opportunity to feel happier and, more importantly, safer.<\/p>\n
If you are about to leave home for work, try not to think about the negative things that could happen while on the road.<\/p>\n
Instead, focus on a solid way to improve your safety and mood, which is definitely going to have an impact on your day.<\/p>\n
That said, here are 6 mental tricks to combat driving stress when commuting to work.<\/p>\n
Unless you are a teen driver who could be easily distracted by the number of passengers in a vehicle, the risk of getting involved in a car accident is statistically lower compared to driving alone.<\/p>\n
For that reason, drivers are encouraged to try carpooling with another colleague or bring another person (spouse or any other family member) when running errands.<\/p>\n
A passenger could help increase your focus on the road and the opportunity to have a pleasant conversation.<\/p>\n
Some studies have shown that drivers who listen to rock, hip-hop, or heavy metal were more inclined to speed excessively, tailgate, and get into road crashes.<\/p>\n
Conversely, those drivers who listened to classical or pop music were less inclined to feel stressed while on the road.<\/p>\n
In view of these findings, you are advised to create a playlist of songs that will make you feel more positive about commuting and reduce driving stress.<\/p>\n
Studies have found that mindfulness is a great avenue to reduce driving stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n
Still, you cannot immerse your mind into a high level of meditation while focusing on the road but there are some techniques that could help you maintain focus and mental peace.<\/p>\n
Focus on the breathe you take and try to stay relaxed while taking heed of your surroundings.<\/p>\n
There’s nothing more entertaining than listening to a podcasts that discusses topics that you are very much interested in learning.<\/p>\n
You could always use that morning podcast to keep you entertained while trying to get through the busy highway during rush hours.<\/p>\n
If you cannot find an interesting podcast, try listening to audiobooks. They are also engaging tools that offer great entertainment while driving to your destination.<\/p>\n
Avoid changing lanes just because the car in front of you appears not to contribute to your fast commute.<\/p>\n
Many times you’ll find drivers continuously changing lanes to reach their destination on time, which could also be a dangerous choice for everyone on the road.<\/p>\n
A stress-free driver picks a lane and stays there because changing lanes do not always lead to a much better outcome.<\/p>\n
When it comes to scents, studies have found that lavender can reduce anxiety and act against systolic blood pressure, which is a great trick to tackle road rage.<\/p>\n
If you are not particularly into lavender, try other scents that could give a personal touch to your interior.<\/p>\n
You’ll find that your colleagues will be pleased to check your car interior, not to mention the different ways you could impress someone by taking care of every single feature of your vehicle.<\/p>\n