We love our jam on our toasts, but never on the road. Getting stuck in traffic is probably one of the most frustrating things in life. However, feeling angry about your situation is not going to help anyone, especially not yourself. No matter how much you sigh, grunt or complain-- the driver can't do anything, your seatmate can't do anything, and you can't do anything. So you are just basically making yourself feel worse than you should.
Here are some things that you can do rather than brew Negative Nancy juices from your brains:
Maintaining the right attitude during a traffic jam can keep you from spiralling downward to the path of loathing. Getting hung up on the fact that you are stuck and being mad about it is just going to ruin your day. Since there is nothing anyone can do, you might as well enjoy not doing anything.
If you are on the way to work, inform your boss of your predicament. If you are meeting with someone, let them know that you are going to be a little late.
If you feel like the traffic is not going to move within the next few minutes, you may want to turn off your engine for a while. This will help you save fuel and lower emissions. Did you know that traffic jams in urban areas are one of the major contributors to smog and poor air quality? So if it isn't too hot or too cold, turn off your engine and roll your windows down.
This may not be applicable in some places, but if you listen to the news on the radio-- you'd eventually find one that will cover the traffic situation in your area. You'd be able to know if there are any alternate routes around the jam.
You need to calm down and chill while stuck in a traffic jam, but this does not mean you are not going to pay attention to your surroundings. If you fall asleep around the time things start moving, other drivers are not going to be happy with you, and they will not be afraid to show it. As tempting as it is, do not recline your driver's seat. This puts you in a vulnerable position in the open highway.
Aggressively honking your horn is not going to make the traffic go away-- surprise, surprise! You are just going to contribute to the noise and annoy the heck out of the other drivers. So, stop.
Instead in wallowing in pure, unadulterated loathing-- you can turn your traffic jam time to leisure time. Maybe it's time to get back to that book that you swore you would finish. Or maybe do some crossword puzzle.
Maybe it would make you feel more at ease if you know what the source of traffic is. Roll down your windows, and surely you'd find one or two people talking about your current predicament. Join in the conversation. This is a great way to pass the time, make a new friend and be more informed about the cause of traffic.
It is never a good idea to stand in the middle of the road. Yes, even when all of the vehicles are stopped. No one knows when the cars will start moving, and you definitely don't want to be in a situation wherein you are dodging cars.
A traffic jam is an excellent time for snacks. Food will help calm you down. So, open up your secret stash of chips and chocolate bars-- and snack away!
Nobody likes a traffic jam, but it is something that you really can't predict or prevent. One moment everything is okay, then BAM! Traffic jam. But there is no point in being mad at the world or ruining your whole day over getting stuck. Experienced car experts strongly recommend that you keep your cool during traffic jams so that your whole day won't be affected.
April is an Editor at Scoopfed, contributor at Hubpages and has been an enthusiast of food articles. She previously worked at a BPO Company and now enjoying her job as an SEO specialist at [MJwebs]...
