Traffic
in the Philippines (or even in other parts of the world) is not getting any
better. Dr.Powell suggests some ways to avoid or handle traffic stress:
- Before you set out, listen to radio traffic reports to find out if and where traffic is tied up (or download Waze app on your phone).
- Take less heavily travelled routes.
- Leave 10 to 15 minutes earlier, to allow for unexpected delays.
- Look at a map and plan alternate routes should you encounter unexpected slow-downs along the way.
- If, despite such avoidance and you end up in traffic anyway, don’t let stress get the best of you.
- Loosen your grip on the steering wheel.
- Take a few deep breaths.
- Don’t dwell on negative factors over which you have no control, like rude drivers or the odds of arriving late.
- Listen to a radio talk show or news station.
- Play some pleasant, relaxing music, narrated books, or self-improvement courses. (Learn French on your way to work, for example.)
- Keep a notebook and pencil or a recorder handy to make notes for planning your day, make shopping lists, and so forth.
- Not only do these strategies help you make good use of otherwise wasted time, you might actually enjoy the drive!
Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American
Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com
