There’s a well-known list of stressors, ranked in order of impact on your health and happiness, which includes illness, moving house, filling out tax forms, going through a divorce, and losing a loved one. Oddly, it doesn’t include driving which, I think, should be right up there with the super-stressors as an unpleasant and uncomfortable thing to do to yourself. Here’s how to make it a little bit better:
Choose music with care. It shouldn’t be too aggressive, nor too sleepy. If you have to drive a long way each day, investigate alternatives that will make you feel your time is being spent productively, such as self-help tapes or talking books.
Be tidy. Throw out all the old papers, kids’ toys, wrappers, takeaway food containers and plastic bags. Keep basic requirements, like a street directory and sunscreen, in the glove box. Store CDs and cassettes in a lidded box which fits neatly under a seat.
Clean the car regularly. Put a few drops of lemon oil in the vacuum bag to sweeten the air, and, as a finishing touch, wipe down the dash and steering wheel with a piece of cottonwool dipped in lemon or grapefruit oil.
Keep something lucky in the car. The Chinese have the right idea – they place holographic balls or feng shui mirrors on pieces of red ribbon from their rear view mirrors to scare off evil spirits. With all the aggression on the roads, you need as much positive energy going for you as is possible! Consider a lucky charm or symbol that means something to you – a Star of David, a Kwan Yin, a photo of your pet, or even a sticker from a child.
If you can’t beat ’em If you’re stuck in traffic, roll up the windows and take advantage of the fact it’s one of the few places where people can’t hear you. So – if you want to sing at the top of your lungs, sigh deeply, practise your deep breathing, recite poetry or even scream – you can! Really let go, and release all that tension.
