It’s getting to be a phenomenon. The traffic.
Commuters in some parts of Southeast Asia spend many hours a day or night being stuck in it. What’s more, they spend one to three hours waiting for the public utility vehicle to arrive even before experiencing the actual traffic. (This happens to people whose home destinations still don’t have subways or trains).
It’s okay if they’re sitting while waiting. But what if they’re standing? How unimaginable, right?!
So many people find themselves stressed and highly-strung almost everyday for this reason alone. It affects their health, disposition, work or school performance, and even their lovelife! As a result, they’re irritable and ill-tempered. That’s awful! Something must be done to prevent the heavy traffic from totally getting on people’s nerves!
Are you one of these commuters? Well, if you are, we have some tips for you to lighten up a heavy day brought about by traffic. Here they are:
Bring some foods and drinks with you.
Dark chocolates or nuts can help you de-stress. Not only will they save you from getting hungry, they will also provide you with some health benefits. And make sure you just drink a small amount of water. You’d better not consider any other kinds of drinks to avoid an upset stomach while travelling.
Listen to your favorite music.
The songs or sounds you love have a calming effect on you. So why not listen to them when you’re waiting for the vehicle or bus, or when you’re in the midst of heavy traffic? Just make sure you’re aware of your surroundings. Also, make sure you just listen according to the maximum number of minutes allowable for your eardrums. Don’t turn the volume to its full level.
Read some e-books.
Reading a very interesting e-book while spending hours in the traffic will lessen your anxiety and stress. You may also try bringing a real book that will keep you occupied. You’ll forget you’re in an uncomfortable situation when you do this.
Watch your favorite series and movies, or log in to your social media accounts.
The smartphone and tablet which you always bring with you can be very useful when you’re stressed from too much traffic. Being stuck in it will actually give you the time to watch your favorite series or movies, be it Game of Thrones, Korean drama series, Marvel movies, and the like.
You may also get active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social media platforms. This way, you won’t notice the long hours you spend stuck in the traffic.
Text your long-lost friend.
You can get so busy you no longer have time to talk to your long lost friends. Why not send some messages to them? For sure you’ll have a great time keeping in touch with them. What’s more, it’s one, nice way to pass the time!
Do some work or assignments.
You always have your gadgets or netbook with you, right? Well then, finish the assignment, research or any other paper works you need to do. That will give you more time to relax when you’re already home. This way, you’ll really be using your time wisely.
Take a power nap!
Oh, yes! It’s important to have power naps. So why not do it while you’re stuck in the traffic for many hours? As long as you’re not the driver and all your things are safe, then go ahead and enjoy your power nap.
Talk to the person next to you.
It isn’t easy talking to strangers at all. But why not try doing it if you feel comfortable with the person next to you? Many people gain wisdom by talking with complete strangers. Besides, you don’t really meet people by chance. There’s a purpose why your paths crossed. So you’ve nothing to lose when you do this. What’s more, it’s one way to overcome shyness.
Time is really of essence.
Don’t allow the long hours spent in the traffic to become wasted. Also, don’t allow it to be a reason for you to lose your temper or to be sad. You can still be cool-tempered and productive while stuck in it. And when you finally know how, you’ll be happier despite the situation you’re in. You can always find peace in this chaotic world.