Battling Road Rage and Remaining Calm in Traffic

Tired of that long commute to work? If you are like the majority of people who work then you better get used to it-if not then all the more power to you. Driving/Riding/Walking or a combination of the three can often be a bit stressful for the average person to deal with on a daily basis. There are a few ways to improve your daily commute to work:

1. RELAX
The road is not going anywhere. Interstate-95 is going to be there, all day and all night, forever. While you may be crunched and pulling out your hair for a whole five minutes, know that eventually you will reach your destination. The road has no time limit.

For the train know that they do run all day. If you miss the Metra, there is nothing you can do about it, so just chill. Depending on the track their probably is another one along in ten to fifteen minutes.

As for walking, well unless you want to get run over on Adams and Michigan Avenue then just calm down. For all you speed walkers running over people, realize that you are not the only individual on the sidewalk. If you must be in hurry and stressing that is fine, but do not tackle the elderly woman on the sidewalk.

2. STAY POSITIVE
There is no need to get worked up over a commute. If you are like most people you do this five times a week-nothing changes on those days. You know that you are going to have to make that commute. If you dread it that much then you need to move or get a new job, but realize that this is one of those things in life you have to do. So do not complain about it everyday.

If you are on a train or in the car try to do something that makes you happy. You like to listen to some Kanye West then get a player in your car or a personal one to walk with. If you like to read, take a train and pick up the newest issues of GQ or Cargo. If you like to write, take a notepad and scribble some impressions you have that morning. If you like to talk then say hello to everyone you see or get a cell phone with the 2000 minute plan. If you like to eat, then grab some McDonalds or a Zone bar on your way. Use this time to do something that makes you happy and keeps you thinking positive.

3. LET IT GO
You can not control other people’s words or hand gestures. If a black Escalade forces you into the median or waves with one finger–let it go. It is not worth it. Do not let them control you. Just laugh it off! They are the ones getting sicker with their high blood pressure and mental distress. Let them and their doctors figure it all out.

4. PUT IT ALL INTO PERSPECTIVE
Life is too short to be stressing for worthless things. If you are reading this article then you are doing better than the majority of the world. First off you got access to the internet so you probably have a roof over your head, you can read, and if you have enough leisure time to read this, starving is probably is not a major concern. Put it all into perspective. Is yelling at that taxi that cut you off worth it? Is getting mad because you missed the 6:37 train worth ruining your day? Is being four minutes late to the office going to get you fired? Is that office so important you are willing to risk major health problems for? Besides why are you such in a hurry to get to your cubical?

Do not let the commute ruin your day; make it improve your day. If you try to follow at least a few of these tips, I am sure you can enjoy that 30 minute trip to the office! Good luck!