When September rolls around, the roads get busier with the daily commuters heading back to work.
Not only does this mean more cars on the road, it also means more impatient drivers who are in a hurry to reach their destination. Impatience does not help matters much, but it is understandable to feel a little frustrated when you are wasting time, stuck in traffic.
In a study conducted at the University of California at Irvine, researchers found that the stress of commuting takes a major toll on health. According to the study, it has direct physiological effects of raising blood pressure and releasing stress hormones into the body.
Don’t let the stress of the commute get to you. Here are a few tips to consider:
• Prepare in advance. One of the best ways to lessen the strain of road rage is to prepare everything the night before. Clothes, documents, attaché cases and even packed lunches should be set the day before to avoid the morning rush.
• Sleep well and wake up early. A good night’s sleep rejuvenates the body. Make it a habit to have enough sleep and to get up early. Give yourself enough time.
• Juggle your work hours. Why pack the freeways when you can try a ten-to-six or an eight-to-four shift? Depending on your company’s work policy, try to check out other shifts that fit your lifestyle.
• Share your ride. It may be a hassle to coordinate your arrival and departure with another person or two, but carpooling is worth it. Studies show that ridesharing lowers commuter stress significantly.
• Be creative. Instead of getting worked up when traffic is at a standstill, utilize your time wisely. If you like to read but just can’t have time to flip pages of a book, check out books on cassette. Many libraries have full length books on tape as well as abridged versions. You can even try learning a new language.
