“Buti pa sa EDSA may forever. FOREVER TRAFFIC.”
You may be seeing these lines in social media, and for good reason. Traffic in EDSA and in other parts of the Metro have gotten so bad that recently, that you’re better off camping in the road or walking your way home. To say that tired and weary commuters are stressed is an understatement.
Still, don’t let the stress caused by traffic jams from take a toll on your health and sanity. Here are some ways to reduce stress when you’re stuck in the traffic:
1. Clear your head
Stress affects you once you entertain it in your head. That’s why you have to get rid of the negative emotions and thoughts before these take hold. Take deep breaths especially whenever you feel the urge to complain. Fill your mind with positive thoughts and other things that are unrelated to traffic jams.
2. Wear comfortable clothing
Being squished inside a packed or train causes utter discomfort, and the last thing you want is to stress about is your killer heels. Vehicle owners will also experience the hassles of constantly hitting their brakes. Wear loose shirts and flats since you may have to stand or handle the driver’s seat for hours.
3. Read a book
It’s easy to become stressed when you’re stuck in traffic and you have time to think about it. Find ways to keep yourself from thinking about the problem, such as reading books to pass the time. Create a special selection for your daily commute: have a copy of your favorite YA novel (because kilig will definitely help you forget your traffic woes), get a bio of your favorite personality for inspiration, and maybe throw in something for self-improvement (may it be learning a new language or tapping into your inner creativity).
4. Listen to the music or radio
Complaints have a way influencing other people. You might end up being stressed from hearing someone else rant about the heavy traffic or vice versa. Listening to the music or radio is the best way to resist the urge to nag and distract yourself from the naggers. Tune in to your favorite songs or radio station to tune out the negative juju around you.
5. Aroma Therapy
Body odors have a way of ruining your mood especially when you’re in a traffic jam. Fortunately, a pleasant smell can help take your stress away. A study even showed that aromatherapy can help lower stress levels. Use essential oils with soothing properties like lavender, vanilla, chamomile, or rose.
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