Seven Steps Toward Reducing Your Traffic-related Stress!
Stop-and-go, stop-and-go
Stop-and-go, stop-and-go. Unfortunately, for many of us, that is the name of the game. We sit in the endless rat race that is rush hour, then work, then rush hour again. Unfortunately, if we live in or around the city, it only gets worse. So how can we avoid heavy traffic if we have to drive? Read on for seven tips:
1) Find another road.
One thing is for certain, we have a wealth of choices for roads. So why not try something different? Most highways are jam packed during rush hour, so try a road that parallels the highway. Sure, you might get stuck at a traffic light for a minute or two, but it beats the constant brake lights and stop-and-go of the highway. Plus it makes things a little more exciting, and it is better for the wear-and-tear on your car.
2) Look at the news.
The morning news nearly always contains a report of local traffic conditions. If there is an accident, road work, or some other incident along your normal route, then take a different one. Or leave a little bit later. Of course, you run into the problem of a time lapse between checking the traffic report and actually getting to your destination, and there may be an incident somewhere in the middle. Also, because traffic reports are meant to reach a wide audience in a limited amount of time, they tend to be general in nature and contain only the major roadways and thoroughfares.
3) Get a GPS.
The global positioning system (GPS) is one of the best automotive inventions since the wheel. There are so many devices to choose from, but it is important to get one with the ability to provide real time traffic updates. Why? Because only having a map doesn't help much if you don't know where the traffic is. Likewise, knowing where the traffic is doesn't help if you don't have a map. The GPS provides both. It is an extremely helpful tool.
4) Change your schedule.
If you have a flexible boss, or have your own business, then change your hours so that you miss the morning and afternoon commute. Not only will you be less stressed, but you will most likely be more productive as a result. Assuming that you use that extra time to be more productive and spend more time with your loved ones, all will thank you.
5) Avoid the car.
Public transportation is alive and well, and it can be your best friend. Most major cities have buses, trains, and subways to help you get to your destination. Use them. Believe it or not, public transportation is usually more cost effective than spending money on gas and the wear-and-tear on your car. Look at the schedules and try it out for a week. You can always go back to your regular commute.
6) Use your feet.
That's right, walk. Not only will you avoid the traffic, but you will be helping the environment and getting exercise at the same time. Everybody wins! In all seriousness, many people live close enough to their workplace or other destination, but choose not to walk because of the fast pace of our society. This is too bad, because walking is one of the best things we can do to keep in shape while alleviating some of the pressure on our roads. So get out there and do it.
7) Relocate.
At some point, heavy traffic is unavoidable. There are just so many cars and so many people. But if all else fails, and you can't stand the thought of sitting in a traffic jam for one minute, then move. This is a drastic last resort, but is an option nonetheless. Just choose somewhere that doesn't have any traffic, or you will be back to square one.
by: Jerry Jerraldo
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