How to Reduce Stress While Sitting in a Traffic Jam

Waiting in a traffic jam is frustrating and stress producing. If you have ever ridden in a car, you have experienced a traffic jam. One of the most stressful times of the day is when you are sitting in a traffic jam. It is for this reason that many people dread the commute to and from work. Their commute causes so much stress for them, that it can ruin the rest of their day. Follow these simple steps to reduce stress while sitting in a traffic jam.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 car with a radio
• 1 traffic jam

Reduce Stress the Easy Way

1. Turn on your car radio to your favorite music station. The more upbeat the music, the more it will reduce traffic jam induced stress. If the stress of your commute has already gotten to you, start with a mellow classical station to calm you down, so that you can regain control.

2. Listen to the music that is playing. Focus solely on the music. Notice the differences of the musical beats and the tones. If there are lyrics, think or sing along to them to focus your brain away from the traffic and onto something more pleasant.

3. Take in a deep breath through your nose. Hold this breath for 10 seconds. Slowly let the breath out through your mouth.

4. Repeat deep breathing as often as needed to keep your heart beat slow and reduce stress. There are many times during a traffic jam that your heart can start to race.

5. Forget about time lines, and where you have to be, and by what time. Setting an inner alarm to the time when you have to be somewhere is just going to add to your stress. There is nothing that you can do to make the traffic move faster so just relax.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are stuck in a traffic jam when all the radio stations are on talk radio, pop in a CD. Make sure to keep a small collection of CD's in your car at all times.
• Think of the other drivers more then yourself while you are stuck. Allow someone to pull in front of your instead of forcing them to cut you off. You will be amazed how these little acts of good will will reduce your stress.

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