How to Control Anger During Rush Hour Traffic

Have you ever been caught behind a semi truck in rush hour traffic, angry that your view is blocked, even though all you could see anyway would be endless rows of cars? Have you been angry with a driver for cutting you off, even though moments after the contest neither of you are moving anyway? Have you felt cheated as you hit gridlock in the carpool lane?

Don't you wish there was a way around the rush hour traffic headache? The traffic itself usually cannot be avoided, but with a little effort, the headache can be.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Be early. If you are free of debt, you'll whistle while you work. Similarly, if you have time to spare, you'll be calmer while you are waiting on traffic (you probably still won't whistle though). A big part of the stress you experience comes from the power you give to the traffic by making it possible for traffic conditions to sabotage your work performance. If you leave early for work, you retain that power.

2. Listen to Hawaiian music. This sounds bizarre, but you will be surprised how relaxing and mood-changing it is. Listen to books on tape or books on CD. Leaving early will eliminate the stress that comes from feeling powerless, and by listening to an audio book you'll no longer feel like your time is being wasted.

3. Roll down your window. This will help center you in reality rather than allowing you to get all worked up inside your own personal bubble. The open air will also help you feel less claustrophobic.

4. Be courteous on the road. This will fill you with positive energy rather than the negative energy that comes from aggressive and inconsiderate driving.

5. Recognize that being angry will not affect the flow of traffic. Becoming frustrated may actually make things worse by causing an accident or making you unprepared to start your work day when you do arrive. Choose to relax, and accept the current circumstances as being beyond your control.

Tips & Warnings

• See if you can arrange to carpool with someone. This will allow you to ride in the carpool lane and give you someone to talk to at the same time.