What are some mindfulness exercises for stressful driving situations?

[jonh wick]

I’ve noticed that driving brings out stress in a way that nothing else does. Just the other day, I was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, running late, and every little thing started irritating me—slow drivers, people cutting in, even the radio playing the same song over and over. By the time I got to my destination, I felt completely drained. I know getting frustrated doesn’t change anything, but it’s hard to stay calm in the moment. I’ve heard mindfulness can help, but I have no idea where to start. Does anyone have simple techniques that actually work when you’re driving?

[joey giron]

Oh man, I totally get it. The worst is when there’s no way around it, and you just have to sit there. What helps me is putting on a good playlist or a podcast—something that keeps my mind off the situation. I also try to remind myself that getting worked up won’t make the cars move any faster. One thing I’ve learned the hard way is that losing patience in traffic can sometimes lead to mistakes—like speeding as soon as you get a chance to move, which can end in a ticket. If that ever happens, checking out the speeding ticket lawyer cost
in your area can be a lifesaver. But ideally, staying cool and just accepting the delay is the best way to go.

[Joanna Holleman]

Honestly, I think traffic jams are just part of modern life. No matter how much we hate them, they’re not going anywhere. I try to use the time to chill—sometimes, I just roll down the window and people-watch or take a moment to zone out (while keeping an eye on the road, of course). I feel like everyone’s always in such a rush these days, but maybe traffic is a weird reminder to slow down and just accept that not everything is in our control.

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