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Reducing Driving Stress

Americans spend a lot of time in their cars. U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that in the most crowded cities, commuters spend the number of hours each year equivalent to two weeks just traveling to and from work. It’s certainly hard enough on your body to drive so much, however adding extra stress amounts to unusual cruelty. So here is a list of ways to reduce wear and tear on your body and lower the mental and emotional factors that cause stress. 

Get Philosophical and Practical

Experiencing stress while driving is a fact of modern life. There will always be potholes and discourteous drivers. You will inevitably encounter traffic jams on your way to work. There will always be times when you grip the wheel, wondering whether you’ll be able to make it. Are you really so busy that an additional five minutes on the road are going to make a difference? If you are a few minutes late, will your company come to a standstill? 

Don’t take out your frustration on the driver in front of you. Reacting with anger causes stress that is damaging to your body. Be ready to accept other people’s failures as a fact of life. In America, more than 1,000 people die as a result of a road rage incident every year! You probably have a cellphone. Why not call and let someone know you’re stuck in traffic and offer to stay later to make it up? Problem solved.

Keep the Windshield Clean

Because vision is so crucial to our survival, the majority of the energy in our brain is used to process what we see. Our brain consumes 20% of the oxygen a human breathes and 90% of our brain’s energy is devoted to seeing. So there’s plenty of pressure on your brain to be alert and avoid any possible traffic accidents. A dirty windshield adds unnecessary stress through extra visual processing required from the brain. Keep paper towels and glass cleaner handy. It only takes a minute.

Proper Positioning

Sitting in an awkward position when driving puts additional stress on the lower back and middle back. Using a cushion or padding that allows you to sit at a different angle can make all the difference. When your back feels more comfortable, your muscles require less effort and strain to support the spine. Both the height and angle of seating are important. Even subtle changes can make significant improvements.  

Be Prepared for Bad Traffic Jams

Have emergency water and snack in compartment storage or passenger seat for the commute home. A snack may be just a small bag of raisins, dried fruit, and nuts – whatever works for you. Carrying a small reserve can prevent you from "running on empty" and experiencing a drop in blood sugar levels that makes you feel a light-headed sensation, weakness and fatigue.

Allow Extra Time

Rushing to your destination is not only more exhausting, it also increases risk of costly accidents, causes more wear and tear on your vehicle's brakes, tires, etc. And by the way, accelerating quickly from a stoplight does burn a lot more fuel and usually only gets you up to the next red light with more time to wait for it to change. Get a grip and chill.

Let Go of Body Tension

First, clean out the clutter. Having items all over your vehicle that are rolling around every time you turn or stop can be very distracting and annoying. When you’re driving, focus on letting go. Allow the rhythms and vibrations of the car to release bodily tension — such as shoulders raised up, stomach tight, hands tightly gripping the steering wheel.

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Source: Stress Tips Handbook Academy of Stress Management Richard Lewis ISBN 0-9664069-4-X

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