Traffic jams happen at the worst time, sometimes. It may be road work, a car accident, bridge opening or a police road block. Whatever the reason, it can frustrate and stress you out. I've been in a few and noticed that the way I handled it made it harder or easier. Things like honking your horn or flipping people off, is not a good way to handle being stuck in a traffic jam. Tension builds and gets other people upset, so you have to deal with it right or just be ornery.
If traffic is moving really slow, turn off your vehicle to save gas and keep it from over heating in hot weather. If traffic is moving slowly, don't ride the tail of the person in front of you as this can cause a fender bender. Even sudden stops in slow moving traffic can do some damage and it's not worth it. You sure won't get to your destination any sooner by tailgating in a traffic jam.
Call home or wherever you are headed to let people know where you are and what is going on. That is one of the tensions of a traffic jam, is the expectation to be somewhere on time. Ask someone else to fill in for you, if it's possible. If it's not possible, you might be able to reschedule, but do what you can do.
It's a proven fact that the more you focus on what is stressing you the more you stress. Accept the fact that you are in a traffic jam and there is nothing you can do to move traffic. Chose to daydream about a nice event like a family wedding, the beach, mountain climbing, sailing or whatever calms your nerves.
I know that sounds crazy, but making yourself smile in a tense situation can ease stress. You don't have to constantly smile because that might just make people think you are a little off. Just think about happy things that make you smile and smile if someone looks stressed in the lane next to you. It may help them.
My mother was a woman who could cheer anyone with her humming and whistling while she worked or whatever she happened to be doing. To this day, it makes me smile and relax more when I think of her cheerful attitude. Lighten up and stay cool!
This is an awesome list of ways to keep cool in a traffic jam!
Thanks...great list
select one here...