Drive Yourself Happy: Reducing Stress at the Wheel

Were you simmering on the way to work this morning? Seething with fury at that driver who cut you off, forcing you further back in line? Seeing red from all the construction orange? You're not alone. Millions of drivers feel the frustration of rush hour and other pressures on the road.

Driving in the city can be a heartbreaker for people, literally. Health experts warn that stress caused by driving can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, cause ulcers, and break down your immune system. If you want to save your health and always arrive safely to your destination follow these tips to ensure your stress thermometer stays cool:

Create the Atmosphere

Roll up the window. Spray a scented mist. Set the right temperature and air flow. When your body is comfortable your mind follows suit so turn on the A/C or heater to relegate the temperature. Turn on the radio, listen to your favorite music, or a favorite book on CD. For relaxing music I recommend Mozart, Bach or Vivaldi. They were master composers at the pinnacle of classical composition. Their music will have both your right and left brains occupied with creativity and form.

Drive Generously

Wave to the construction flagger; they're having a bad day, too. Is it really gonna set you back but maybe five seconds to let someone merge in front of you? Let someone in who is trying to enter traffic, even if the driver is a pest. It'll help you feel better to do a good deed.

Enjoy the Kids

Play games. Send your kids on a scavenger hunt. Give them things to look for as you drive along. Play trivia. Prepare a list of trivia suitable for your kids. Offer them 10 or 25 cents for each correct answer. Sing! Have your kids sing along with the radio. Create a song. That's right. Make up silly lyrics. Kids love music, and they love it when parents are silly. Getting in touch with your inner child will improve your stress level.

Plan Ahead

If you consistently find yourself driving 50 minutes to work each day, don't plan on getting there in 40. Give yourself the average time plus ten extra minutues. Racing to the parking structure doesn't help your stress level. Make time to watch the morning traffic report and note any potential delays. Plan an alternate route if a delay is imminent and plan the extra time to get to your destination.

Let it Out

If your simmering takes a quick leap into boiling point, let it out! Give a shout! Roll up the window and scream, yell, sing some AC/DC. You'll be surprised at how better you'll feel. Then see the prior four steps to keep your stress level healthy.

You owe it to yourself as well as your family to stay healthy. Try these techniques and think of other ways that can help you decelerate that raging feeling behind the wheel. Here's to your safe, stress-free and accident-free journey!